The Call of Nys #5 (Waverly Stump and The 7 Realms)

16 - W A V E R L Y

Pluton possessed impressive combat skills. He quickly proved that he knew just where to punch to render the limbs thoroughly weak. He was swift, nimble, and tricky. But Raechi declared an unexpected second round when Waverly tripped him just as he tripped her.

In that round, Pluton kept wary eyes on her, revealing that it was his first time tying with an opponent.

"Very clever." He smirked with a squint. "You surprised me there. I now have reason to believe you're not as sluggish as you seem."

When he grabbed her good arm and made to twist, Waverly locked his legs with hers and kicked forward. Again, they both fell – face flat to the ground. Raechi's growl proved she was far from happy with having to declare a third round, especially when the fight was not as interesting as she had hoped.

By then, Pluton was eyeing Waverly as one would a fallen tree branch on which they had tripped far too many times.

"Will you tell me what you're doing here?" He asked, back stepping lightly.

"None of your business." She replied, keeping both eyes on his hands and feet.

He halted with a pout. "Aw, come on. I can tell you're alive, y'know. You're still warm. My guess is you're just as unlucky as me and hoping to get out of here, isn't that right?"

She paused to think. "Maybe."

"You can't let me win, but you can't win either, and if Raechi loses her patience, she'll set the dogs on us both." He tsked. "You don't want that. I know. So, I'll make you a deal."

Waverly's gaze surreptitiously traveled to Raechi, perched on a high bench in front of a stone table covered with bleached food. As a result of the distance, it was possible she could not hear squat, but the frown on her face was as distinct as daylight.

"What deal?" She asked, engaging in frequent strikes so that Raechi would not detect their ongoing conversation. Funny thing was, she felt it a much better alternative to sit and discuss with Pluton. He seemed very much like the comfortable, interesting type to be around.

"I don't like those bloody dogs, and trust me, you won't like them either." He threw a casual peep at Raechi. "I let you pin me to the ground and you get your dagger, but I get to come along with you."

"Why?" She frowned.

He swiftly came to restrain her from behind and whispered into her ear. "Because you're my ticket out of The Loathe as I am yours to getting what you want. There's no time. Do it now!"

Without waiting for more prompts, she flipped Pluton over her shoulder and he fell on his back with a hard thud. Raechi broke into boisterous laughter and a brief applause as she approached.

"Didn't see that one coming now, did you, Pluton?" She sneered and made an attacking gesture to which he flinched in response. Then her hateful glare settled on Waverly. "For the prize, come with me. You're not so bad, snail."

The prize was a crooked dagger shaped like a thunderbolt with a wooden hilt that sported several holes and depressions. The blade was, thankfully, keen as even Calaire. It drew blood upon the slightest touch, and Waverly had to be extra careful when belting it. As soon as Raechi disappeared back into her station, Pluton snuck out.

"Why do you tiptoe?" Waverly asked in wonder.

But he only grabbed her arm in haste, and they took off down the narrow road. There, he gave an answer.

"I owe her a debt." He seemed uncomfortable as the words left his lips.

Waverly quickly put two and two together. "You fight for entertainment to clear it off. You've been on the lookout for a means to escape, and here I am."