Chapter Five
Pippa

Pippa remained motionless, tears gathering on her chin like tiny globules of a rainbow stolen from a sun-lit sky, illuminated by chunks of light which filtered through partially drawn curtains. Pippa knew she could not say goodbye as parting was such sweet sorrow. The pain would have been much greater with a parting kiss. Filled with the pain of loneliness and emptiness, she felt useless. Pippa knew she could be of some help, even if it were only doing the cooking and such like. She gave a deep sigh, slowly drawing the breath back into her body and wiping her face, she began to compose herself.

She had meant to be on the quest one way or another. That was the reason she had packed her bag in secret back at the cottage in Manap. " O.K. " She thought to herself.

She had promised to sort out the cottage for Bobo and herself, upon her return but she had not said when she would return, nor had she promised to go home right away... No ! She would not be breaking her word... Yes ! She would do as she had planned in the first place. She would follow having given them the chance to get a safe distance away, hopefully the giant beetles would then be at a safe distance too. Then she would set off in pursuit of her friends and, of course, her new found love.

She looked around the room which had contained all the people she held so dear. It seemed so bare, so barren. She paused for just a few moments.

Grabbing her coat she ran out of the room and down the stairs. In a very short time she found herself walking through the town. People were still running here and there, some shouting, others screaming but most were simply running. Pippa wandered around aimlessly until she came across a side street, hoping perhaps she could find what she was looking for, Pippa turned down the street. By the time she was halfway down a voice called from behind.

" Hey ! Stop ! You can't go down there ! " Said the voice. Pippa turned. The voice came from a man in some sort of uniform. He continued to speak. " The walls have been weakened down there by the beetles. " Said the man. " The beetles ? Where are the beetles now ? " Asked Pippa. " I don't know for sure. They were here one minute, and gone the next ! I have to find some men to do the repairs. " Said the man. " I see but I was just looking for a jewellers. Can you tell me where I may find one ? " Asked Pippa. " Yes, do you know The Shire ? " He asked. " Why yes, that's where I'm staying ! " Replied Pippa. " Well go back the way you came, you will see a street on the right. Take that road, then second on the left. " Said the man.

" Thank you, thank you very much. " replied Pippa gratefully. The man turned and was soon out of sight. Pippa walked back the way which she had come by following the instructions the man gave her and was soon standing outside the jeweller's.

Once inside it took no longer than five minutes to make arrangements to have the ring size altered. Pippa was told she could have it done within ten minutes, if she would like to pay a little extra. Pippa agreed to pay the extra money.

The ring was taken into a workshop at the back of the building. She spent the time looking at the many other items for sale. She found lucky charms for travellers and thinking it quite a good idea, she bought four of them. One for herself placing it around her neck, the others were for Bobo, Teedol and Spud to give them good fortune on their journey. Eventually an old man appeared from the back of the shop handing the ring to the assistant , who in turn, gave a slight cough in order to attract Pippa's attention. The ring was now a perfect fit. Paying the man she was soon on her way back to the hotel.

Entering by the main doors, she went to the reception, asking if her bill could be ready in half an hour when she would hopefully be ready to leave. Pippa then made her way to the kitchen where she ordered food and drink suitably packed for travelling. The chef agreed saying it would be added to her final bill.

Forty minutes later Pippa was making her way through the town, in the direction of the ferry in pursuit of her friends. Upon reaching the ferry, she found it to be on the wrong side of the river. Tugging at the wrong rope for a little while Pippa found she was getting nowhere so she tried the other rope. To her amazement the ferry began to move and with more ease than she had thought.

It was not long before she was standing on the far side of the river. Teedol and the others should be ninety minutes ahead of her by now. She wasted no time. Fortunately, this close to the river bank, the cover was quite thick. Looking all around to make sure she was not seen, Pippa ducked off the track and straight onto the plains.

She walked along with only her thoughts for company, beginning to wonder at the many things which had happened in such a short time. It was only a few hours ago her adventure had actually started, earlier for Teedol, but even that was not long ago. Yes, started indeed, first with love, a love Pippa had only ever dreamed of before.

Gentle thoughts of love filled her mind with a sense of peace and tranquillity, a beautiful feeling welled up from deep within. Thoughts of Bobo, who was so shy, yet gentle and caring and yet who now simply wanted to be in his own home with his new found love. Pippa thought how stupid they had been, they could have been together for so much longer. If only they had dared say how they felt for each other. Was it the fear of rejection perhaps ? Her thoughts now turned to Teedol. Ah yes Teedol ! They were very close, more like brother and sister really. Even Pippa would have to admit Teedol was not so much strange, but different. He had an uncanny wisdom for his youthful years, even though he was a dreamer. He would sit for hours on end at the top of Manap Hill oblivious to everything else going on around. Still he displayed a unique common sense which Pippa , as did everyone else, admire.

Pippa was sixty three but was considered to be level headed and sensible, although at this age Pippa was not considered to be an adult. ( From the age of forty cotchit's were called ' Yondas ' which translated roughly means teenager. They were permitted to marry at this age, but only with the permission of the elders. )

Pippa was thinking of a plan as she walked along until, finally, she came to a conclusion. She would try to catch up with her friends by the time they reached the foothills of the Red Mountains. Hopefully from there they would not send her back. She knew the trio were heading for the mountains, but exactly where she was uncertain. Beneath her feet were no tracks to follow, only the sight of the Red Mountains far away to guide her.

It was now she realised she was all alone. The loneliness, joined with a sense of emptiness, filled her with a sense of foreboding. Yet it was not fear for herself but for Teedol, Bobo and Spud. What would she do if she lost Bobo ? Why should this have to happen now ? Why should it have to be her friends and family ?

While these thoughts flittered around in her mind she was unaware the same thoughts were going through Bobo's mind and what's more, at the same time. Even though he had the company of the others, Bobo was still overcome with a sense of loneliness and emptiness which could only be overcome by the warmth and tenderness of Pippa holding him once more in her arms.

Suddenly Pippa stumbled. It was the branch of a tree which she had not seen . The nearest tree was actually about seventy five yards away. High above a large pair of eyes were watching every step she made. Pippa was unaware of those eyes as in her mind were many thoughts, fluttering here and there, like butterflies dancing over green meadows at the height of a summer's day . Not one thought was for herself and the possible danger she may find herself in. Pippa's thoughts finally returned to herself and of where she was. She had heard the many tales told of travellers who had wandered off the track and was beginning to think that's just what they were, stories ! Tales told to frighten. They could not be true. Pippa had neither seen, nor heard anything to cause her concern. She was however, still unaware of being watched from high above. The harpy was soaring round and round, keeping an eye on the intruder below. This creature resembled a human bat, its features being humanoid in appearance, although somewhat skeletal, with large black, lifeless eyes. Within its mouth were large pointed fangs set in two rows of two. Large bat like wings enabled it to soar, giving it a long range of flight. Just about the centre of the leading edge of its wings were several protuberances which resembled hands ending in very sharp talons. It was known that a harpy would capture its prey but would not kill it immediately. It would play with its victim, tormenting it before the kill. The harpy above Pippa was very hungry, but dared not disobey its master.

Pippa went merrily on her way, blissfully unaware as once more she turned her thoughts to the others, wondering where they might be and what they were doing. She was, as usual, paying no attention to where she was going . The harpy turned, heading back to where it had come from, over the Red Mountains of Erun. Pippa had been travelling for some time. Now she could not be seen from the track and she had seen no-one, so it seemed a good time to take a rest. Looking around, she saw a large clump of bushes. Knowing they would give her good cover, she headed towards them. Once inside she made herself comfortable, taking out the flask and some food which she then ate heartily.

The meal went down well with a hot drink. It was just as well she had brought a hot drink from the hotel as she had no means of making one for herself. Once Pippa had finished the meal, she thought of resting a little while longer, not realizing how tired she was. Soon she was fast asleep. It would be dark within the next two hours and Pippa was now stirring. The harpy had returned but not finding its prey, had moved on. Pippa quickly packed up her things and was on her way again. She had covered a good few miles now, but the light was fading. Since leaving the bush she had rested in Pippa had seen no other bushes. Only on occasion had she seen large outcrops of very tall grass. On the horizon a welcome change of scenery could be seen. It was a line of trees, which continued to grow in size and stature as neared them. As she drew closer it could be seen that some of the trees were laid upon their sides. At first Pippa thought nothing of it, believing the trees had fallen randomly, perhaps in one of the storms of last year. It was only with the passage of time the sudden realization would come to her. The trees had been felled in such a manner guiding the unsuspecting to the dark secret hidden within the woods.

Perhaps Pippa should have noticed the trees had not fallen, for if they had , they would still be displaying a wide bottom with a large tangle of roots . None of them did. She followed the line of trees until a second line appeared on the opposite side of her path giving no choice but to follow. The trees were so large it would be difficult to climb over them and besides , what was the point as long as she could continue the journey.

The gap between the trees had narrowed. All that now remained was a narrow path which first turned this way and then that and then back again. Slowly it dawned on Pippa there was some sort of pattern to the path. But what was it ? Yes ! That was it. It was like a maze. But why ?... All went black , and deathly silent... It remained that way for about ten minutes. Pippa was unconscious. Slowly she started to come around feeling totally disorientated. At first there was no discomfort, she did not even know what position she was in. She tried to move... A scream rang out, it felt as though her stomach was in her mouth, the searing pain running up her arm only to explode in her head, making her almost pass out again. The extreme pain rocketed through all of her body and exploded once more in her brain, the intensity now being far greater.

She did not move as she gave careful consideration to her predicament. If pain were the only answer, she would have to draw on her determination and remaining stamina, with one last effort she would try to change her position. This would achieve two things, so hoped Pippa.

One ; It would make her more comfortable.

Two ; It would allow her to examine herself more thoroughly.

In an attempt to discover what damage had occurred Pippa gritted her teeth, took in a deep breath and pushed like MAD ! Suddenly she flipped right over, landing on her stomach, giving out a mighty cry as she hit the ground with a thump almost as hard as the first time, or so it seemed to her. Pippa remained motionless, eyes still closed. She found the pain was not so bad if she stayed like that, but she was not so stupid as to think she could stay in that position indefinitely. She would have to move at some point but, for the moment, she could rest and regain some of her strength.

Some fifteen minutes had passed. Pippa still had not moved but she was about ready to try. Slowly she took another deep breath and then moved her left arm...

That seemed fine. Pippa now did the same with her right arm... The pain went screaming up her arm and exploded in her head. Pippa managed to stifle the noise from her mouth as the feeling of a million hot needles burning into her flesh reached her brain. She was in no doubt, her arm was broken . After checking the rest of her body, Pippa found she was sore and stiff in a good many places but, fortunately, there seemed to be no other broken bones. Her greatest desire right now was to sit up and try to figure out where she was. Using her left arm she pushed and, with a slight groan, landed on her back. Pushing with her feet she managed to raise the top of her torso until she was finally sitting up. Nursing her right arm with the left, she rested once more and waited for the pain to subside. She was still feeling very dazed, not to mention sore. Until now she had kept her eyes closed, now was the time to have a look around. Pippa found her mind was suffering a strange sense of numbness, but knew she must do something, something positive as she realized any hopes of help were nothing more than fanciful.

Pippa opened her eyes once more, she could see nothing but a thick mist as her eyes were filled with tears of pain. She was now more determined than ever as she forced her eyes to stay open. Slowly, very slowly, the haze began to clear..

All she could see was a brown colour, she tried harder to focus. Slowly things started to clear. The colour she could see was from the wall of soil now staring back at her and upon looking all around, she soon discovered the view was the same on all sides. She came to a conclusion. She was in a pit. A PIT ? Pippa was not amused at the discovery, she had not forgotten the only two types of creature that used pits were dwarves and ghedi. If it were the latter everyone knew the fate that would befall them if they were caught ! So it would seem the only chance she had of coming out of this and perhaps staying alive, would be if she were found by the dwarves.

Pippa made herself comfortable by putting her rucksack beneath her head as a pillow. Sleep soon crept over her again. Pippa slept a long time as the stars glittered high above. She was far off in a land of beauty, the one she loved by her side, their friends and family all around. In front were gathered the village elders. Bobo had just sworn himself to Pippa and now it was her turn. " I pledge myself to thee, one of my heart. " There was a silence as the congregation waited for the next words. The Grand Master of the elders then spoke. " These two people standing here today have sworn themselves to each other. If anyone knows why I should not declare this couple be united, speak now,...." "HEY ! LOOK, DINNER." Said a strange gruff voice. Pippa was brought back to the land of reality with a start. Above her, Pippa could see a dark, tall shadow standing on the very edge of the pit... It was an ORC ! It danced and shouted on the rim of the pit. The noise was ear piercing. Pippa could feel a strong draught fanning her from above. Looking up she could see the harpy as it let out a shrill sound in a cry of delight. Pippa dragged herself into a corner in an attempt to hide, but it was too late for that. She had been discovered...

The noise from the orc and the harpy made Pippa cover one ear with her good hand while she buried her other ear against the rucksack. Still the terrible noise went on. Pippa found herself wishing she were back in Forlin , or better still back at the cottage in Manap where she could busy herself sorting things out for Bobo's return and their wedding.

Something course hit her cheek, then her arm. She looked up fearing the worst... Stood all around her were dozens of ghedi, some very large, some quite small. It was the larger ones who seemed to be shouting orders at the smaller ones. A rope hung down and was now being jiggled by an orc at the other end.

It spoke, spitting as it did so. " Take hold rope. Pull out. " Said the orc. Though it's speech was broken and unclear, Pippa understood what the evil rescuer meant. " I cannot. I've hurt my arm. " Said Pippa clutching at the injured limb. The orc turned and said something Pippa could not understand to the larger orc standing beside him. The next thing Pippa knew was a large log was being put down into the hole. Once the log was in place an orc climbed down and tied the rope around Pippa's waist, taking no care of her injured arm. The ghedi above hauled Pippa out of the pit, the harpy flapped it's wings and tried to take a peck at the morsel now within reach.

It's reward was a whack across the beak with the flat side of a sword.

The log was thrown into the pit after the orc had climbed out. The large orc moved towards Pippa and began to untie the rope from her waist, much to Pippa's relief. The rope was tight and had begun to cut into her. She was already thinking of escape at the first opportunity, until she was suddenly knocked off her feet, hitting the ground with a heavy thump. Pippa let out a scream as she landed on the already broken arm.

Ghedi grabbed her arms and legs and began to bind them. Pippa screamed again, but the ghedi were not interested in her injuries. Pippa thought things could not get worse but she was wrong. The ghedi bound a skin around her head. To be engulfed in darkness was bad enough, but the fact the stinking old skin was covered in fleas added to the overall discomfort Pippa now found herself in. Her ankles were then lifted off the ground, she felt something hard and round pushed between them, then between her wrists. Pippa let out another loud scream as she was lifted off the ground. There she was slung, unceremoniously, beneath a pole carried between two ghedi...

Link to Chapter Six

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