Beautiful Blades

A Bridge One Mustn't Cross

Morning proceeded to afternoon. The scenic plateaus and valleys had slowly become an eyesore. Even Dewayne was getting bored. Seeing that horseback made a terrible place for naps, he struck up a conversation with Robin.

"You know, we cait sidhe only build our villages up high."

"Is that so?" said Robin, "I suppose cats do enjoy heights after all."

"Yes, but it keeps us safe from our enemy clans!"

"The cait sidhe have enemy clans?"

"Indeed! We are constantly feuding with each other! The Onyx Hill clan fought many battles to protect our plateau. Although our wars don't bloody the grass as much as your kind does."

He gave Robin a catty smirk, as if he was to believe cats were morally superior to humans.

After hours of endless sloping hills, Robin spotted a village nestled deep between two mountains. He was delighted, as he desperately wished to sleep in a bed again. There was just one last obstacle to overcome: a wide river that split through the valley. Robin studied the waters - they appeared to be too deep for a horse to cross. Meanwhile, Dewayne stared at the river with spooked eyes.

"Is the mighty Dewayne of the Onyx Hills afraid of water?" said Robin with a smirk this time.

Dewayne gave a loud hiss. "I am not your average cat! I fear no water! (in small amounts and less than a paw deep.)"

To their left was a wooden bridge. A bit shoddily made, like it was put together in a matter of a day. Whoever built it was not an expert in architecture. Robin's horse tested her footing on its planks. Creaky, but stable. They proceeded onward, and they reached the middle of the bridge when-

Sploosh!

A pillar of water shot from their right. It snaked through the air before crashing a short distance in front of them. There stood a handsome man, his figure slim and his hair dark green and soggy. A pair of equine ears protruded from the top of his head. He spread a malicious grin from ear to ear and held a hand out to Robin.

"You stand upon the bridge of Angus of the Drowning Weeds!" he proclaimed, "present me with every coin you have and I shall let you cross alive!"

"Ah, but I fear I cannot afford an inn if I do that," responded Robin.

Angus's smile contorted into a scowl. "Do you not know what I am, human? A kelpie! Our kind takes pleasure in drowning idiots like you!"

"I was under the impression kelpies were horses," said Robin, ignoring his threat.

"Horses, we are. Now relinquish your money, or this river shall be your grave!"

Dewayne shivered, his hairs standing on end. "Robin, you fool! Let us make the bargain and be done with it!"

"I could do that," said Robin, "but what is to say you won't drown us in the end? Quite the corner you have put us in."

Angus laughed. "You are smart! I thought I could make this easy, but now I'm losing my patience!"

Another pillar of water rose from the river and went straight for Robin. Robin scooped up Dewayne and rolled off his horse. The water streaked harmlessly over them. Just as he predicted, kelpies loathed humans, but they would not harm their fellow horses.

Dewayne took on his human shape, readying his sword. Robin drew his as well.

"You idiots!" cried Angus, "taking advantage of a kelpie's chivalry!" He drew from his back a zweihander.

The two crept forward, but Angus swung, nearly knocking the blades out of their hands. He swung again, but this time Robin was ready and blocked it. Dewayne leapt for a stab, however Angus dodged it.

"Let us spread out!" said Robin.

He and Dewayne spread out to opposite sides of the bridge. An interesting tactic. Angus's swings were quick, but the weight of his sword meant he'd have to reposition himself every time. Angus realized this and let out a chuckle.

"Oh, why do I even bother?" he said with a shrug, "I can always build another bridge."

In an explosion of water, the shape of his body rearranged into that of a withered corpse-like horse. He let out a neigh that pierced the ears like a thousand knives. Water ripped apart the planks of the bridge, sending everyone tumbling into the river below.

Robin held his breath. He swam towards the glimmering light above. Just as he neared the surface, he was dragged back down. Weeds were wrapped around his legs! He struggled to pry them off as the silhouette of a horse appeared by his side.

"Welcome to my domain," echoed Angus, "wriggle with all your might, but your fate is sealed! You humans should never have come to Mag Mell!"

Robin's lungs were squeezing in on themselves. He could hold his breath no longer. All around him was a blue darkness. This was the end for Robin of the Ruby Cross.

Well, not quite.

Dewayne too found himself tangled in weeds. Putrid river - he was not going to die in his least favorite place! He shrunk back into a cat, and the weeds lost their grip. He swam over to where Angus and Robin were. His black coat gave him camouflage in the murky river. He snuck right beneath Angus and, after transforming back into human form, rammed his sword straight into the kelpie's stomach.

Angus shrieked, and the weeds around Robin's legs came loose. With all his might, Dewayne pulled him upwards. Just hold on, he thought, we're almost there!

They breached the surface, and they were greeted by Robin's horse swimming frantically. They climbed onto her and she brought them to the banks on the other side.

"Never in my life would I have known horses could swim," thought Dewayne.

Everyone was safe. Robin's luggage was waterlogged, and his rations ruined. They were also very cold and wet. Robin breathed a sigh of relief. It did not seem Angus would pursue them.

"Do you think that killed him?" he asked Dewayne.

"I doubt it," said Dewayne, "we fairies are not as easily slain by our own metal."

"Well, I must thank you. I have never met a cat so brave. We humans have feared fairies since our arrival here. But my time with you has proven not all is to be afraid of."

"No, please fear us still! You are all still idiots to me."

Robin could not help but laugh. "So be it. Is our friendship merely a truce?"

"I am craving a delightful juicy salmon," said Dewayne, licking his cat lips, "maybe if you get me some, I'll reconsider."

And so, after recovering, the young wanderer and his feline companion marched onward to the village ahead. The sun set, and small colorful orbs began to rise from the grasses. Were they fairies? Or fireflies perhaps? He took in the otherworldly sight and smiled. Today had taught him firsthand the dangers of Mag Mell. It was hell to the human settlers, but to the fairies, it was the place they called paradise.