The Evil Queen

Alora Lies

"The witch makes me nervous, I don't trust her sir." Barwick was trying in vain to convince Bergamot to not consult the old woman who had been a corner stone in so much that involved Theoda. "Nonsense Barwick, Alora is our next best consult to find Theoda." Barwick didn't try to hide his feelings of repugnance for the idea. Bergamot ignored his feelings and pushed his horse on through the wood until he saw the small dilapidated house.

Alora was crouched down in the front of the house pulling what looked like over grown weeds from the ground. She turned, a slightly fortuitous look on her old face. She quickly bowed her head, "Lord Bergamot. What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Barwick grimaced at the witch, "You know what we require hag, speak!" Bergamot chided at Barwick harshly, "That's well enough Barwick, why don't you scout the area?" Disbelief then anger set in on Barwick's face as he nodded and headed in the direction they had come in. "Ashcroft your dog has more bite then bark....much like your fathers." The old woman's eyes glared up at him. "Remember who you talk to ma'am." Alora nodded and motion to the door of the house. Following Bergamot in she shut the door behind her and sat at the wooden table.

As Bergamot sat he noticed the where the vial he usually purchased had sat, was empty. "Barwick is generally harmless." Alora raised an eyebrow at him, "You are greatly mistaken Ashcroft. That man is impulsive and insolent. You need to watch him closely." His lips pursed in irritation. "I have a predicament. Theoda is missing. Stolen from her bed in the middle of the night." Alora's eyes darted down, "Did you see the men that took her?" His head cocked, "No, but I was coming also to inquire of her elixir. You have it?" He mouth hung slightly for a moment before she regained her composure. "I haven't finished it yet Lord." Her smiled at her, "I told you I needed it before the full moon Alora. It is now five days passed." She nodded. "Alora, have you seen anyone that doesn't belong here? Anyone suspicious?" "No Lord, I see nobody out here." Bergamot pulled his hip dagger out of his belt and dug the blade into the top of the table. "Alora!?" She watched as the dagger sank with little effort into the pulp of the wood.

"I grow tired of this ploy Alora, I needn't ask again." Tears ran down Alora's face as Bergamot took another finger off her right hand. She had been tied to the chair she usually sat in. Beaten and bruised she was semi-conscious. "The vial is gone, and I have some suspicions that not only have you seen the culprits but you aided them." She bit her bleeding lip, "Please Ashcroft, I will tell you everything." His lips twitched with satisfaction, tilting his head with increasing interest. "Two men. They took the elixir." Eyes narrowed at her, he jabbed the tip of the blade into the end of one of her severed fingers. Wailing she continued, "They wanted to know how her powers worked, how to tame her!" He slammed the blade into the table, burring the blade four inches. "Who where they Alora?!!" She shook her head, "I don't know! But they were tall, one dark, one flaxen. Bounty hunters. Working for Lord Cornell! She said to tell you they were headed west." His eyes widened, "You defied both of us! She pleaded with you and you betrayed her." As she began to protest Bergamot separated her head from her body with his sword in one quick motion.

Barwick was waiting outside the house, leaned against the tie post in front. "I wasn't sure if you would end the beast or not Lord, I'm relieved to see you actions did not disappoint." Bergamot's expression was unchanged, "I have the information I need. I believe we have already seen one of the culprits." Barwick straightened, "The drifter?" Nodding Bergamot mounted his horse, "They are working for Cornell, and headed west. I think they are using her, and she's drugged.