If You Trust Me - An Onward Fan-Novel

◊ Chapter 20 ◊

Previously on Onward...

After the brothers are called down to the New Mushroomton Police Station for further questioning on the stolen S.S. Medallion, Ian is still determined to track down Gedeon and get the talisman back. He ultimately sees his opportunity to do so when Sadalia offers him a vital clue—a clue which Barley deems they should take up with the recently-returned Manticore.

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◊ Return to the Tavern ◊

The Manticore's Tavern was quite busy around the hour of noon, having gathered quite a following since its much-needed refurbishment. It had gone back to representing the days of yore, while also compromising the wonder of the modern days as well.

Despite its busyness, the Manticore herself was glad to be back at her tavern serving the hungry people again after her urgent week-long meeting with the elders. But her paying customers weren't just hungry for delicious food.

"Tell us a story, O great and mighty Manticore!" said an eager elf.

"Oh, yes, please!" a goblin concurred from the next table over. "Tell us about one of your adventures!"

The Manticore—now in her usual warrior garb—had just come out from the kitchen, and was carrying dishes of entrées in both of her paws.

"Just a second now...," she said to her customers. "These Kracken Kracklins aren't going to serve themselves!" Once she set the food down at the correct tables, she then said to the crowd, "but a story, you say? Why, YES! I would be delighted to tell you all a new tale!"

Every patron in the restaurant murmured in anticipation for what the Manticore had in store. Whatever tale she was about to tell, it was sure to put them all on the edge of their seats.

"Oh, but there are just so many of them...which one do I choose?" the beast thought aloud as she began to pace around, then she did the rest of her thinking under her breath. "Let's see...there was that time I vanquished the hydra with a single punch...nah, I've told that story a lot. There was also the time I conquered the Chamber of Doom...or-or what about when I first met my wondrous Curse Crusher? Hmm...well...whichever story I tell, it'll certainly take my mind off from—"

Just then, the Manticore heard the giant entrance doors of her tavern push open behind her, and turned right around to see that Laurel's sons had arrived.

"Oh! Well, if it isn't my favorite customers! The Lightfoot brothers! Just the inspiration I need!" the beast said happily in surprise. She used her giant bat-like wings to leap herself right over to the teenage elves.

But the Manticore announcing their entry to everyone in her tavern only made Ian cringe. He still didn't really like having any attention brought onto him.

Barley, on the other hand, gladly removed his beanie, and got down on one knee before the mighty beast.

"'Tis an honor to be here, O Miss great and powerful Manticore," he said.

As the older elf did this, Ian nudged him with an elbow, and whispered through gritted teeth, "Barley, you know you don't have to bow down to Corey anymore. We're pals." 

Everytime Barley entered the tavern and feasted his eyes on the Manticore—also known as Corey—the first thing he always wanted to do was go right up, and kneel before her excellence. He didn't feel the least bit granted to be in her presence—or in her tavern—unless he did that first.

"Oh, it's all right, Ian," Corey said in response to Barley's kneel. "It's actually quite flattering!"

"See? She likes it!" Barley boasted to the eye-rolling Ian as he placed his beanie back on his head, and stood up again. He then asked the beast, "so, how was your equally great and powerful summit to which my dear brother and I were sadly not invited to, your fearlessness?"