Sword in the stone.

Chapter Sixteen: A Daring Rescue

Demetria's POV

I'm being sold... again... it's happening again. I spot something. No! No! No! Not the mists, not this again! Gods, please... me brain feel– no! I'm not giving into being small brained! I can't become a dummy! Nngh! My brain no–doesn't feel good. Just a little longer! I watch the mist go away, but my sellers enter.
"Hello Tria."
"That's not my name."
"Oh... did it not work?"
Oh no! I–I shouldn't have– they shove something in my mouth.
"If you don't drink it, then we'll have to tell Carmine that you escaped and she'll hurt Connak."
I start to drink it. Me brain hurt worse~~ no! I'm not giving in no matter how hurt brain feel! No! Me losing ground! Losing ground too fast! Me dummy! Yummy drink stopped? Me thought there more yummy drink? Tria see strange mask man. He throw sellers far—.

Tagrano's POV

Great she was under the effects of both the mist and the potions... wonderful. I sigh and start picking her up. I just hope she doesn't get addicted... that wouldn't be good. I start to bring her to the house I bought for this.
"Where take Tria?"
"For one your name is Demetria... for two focus on being you... for three at a house where I can keep you until this wears off and I rescue your boyfriend."
"Rescue Conny?"
"Yeah," I say, struggling to fully lift her. She faints before she can finish. I sigh and finish carrying her there. She wakes up again. I ask, "do you know your name?"
"I–It's Demetria... master."
I sigh and say, "I did not buy you... I... forcefully liberated you... next is your boyfriend."
"Wh–what?"
"Mhm, I owe the Queen a debt... and I am paying it back. Masky stay with her and keep the mask on, understood?"
"Mhm!"

Demetria's POV

I watch as the other guy leaves. "Masky" smiles, "Hi! I'm Masky! You seem really cool! Do you want anything?"
"Wh–what?"
"Are you hungry?"
"N–no... I am just scared."
"Oh... I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. Is it okay if I sleep?"
"Yeah! I'll grab you a blanky and then I'll wake you when big brother gets home."
I nod. He leaves then comes back with a thick blanket and a pillow. I add, "thank you... I'm going to sleep now."
"Okay! You get some sleep!"

Prissy's POV

I'm approached by Lady Halira.
"Hello dear."
"Hi, Lady Halira."
"What is wrong?"
"I falled River and Connak."
She sighs and pulls me into a hug. She suddenly digs a toe into the ground. She smiles softly. Then asks, "Does this River happen to have a Dryad friend named Ahn?"
"I–I think so... why?"
She pulls me into a hug before whispering, "I think I found Ahn."
"Really? I'll go grab everyone!"
"Princess, you have done enough."
"B–but! It's River! And I have to help!"
She sighs and pulls me into a tent. She adds, "rest now, dear."

I sigh, finally giving in. I mumble, "fine."
"Good girl. You shall be safe and they shall be too."
I look up at her and nod. There's a quiet moment before everything begins to go dark.

Maltorn's POV

"Is she asleep?" I ask leaning forwards. Halira nods. I follow with, "how deeply?"
"Very."
"Good... she deserves the rest."
She nods and leads me to the table. I add, "I am summoning the guard–"
"Don't," Tirarnois interjects with a strange almost growl. I turn. He sighs softly. He's giving a look of regret. He adds, "The last time everyone was together... minus you three of course, but... Helios and Dorantos were attacked... I don't want to risk that happening again."
"Oh... right of course," I reply. I hold out a hand to comfort him. I ask, "are you okay?"
"I just don't want anything bad happening to them."
"Right," I reply, patting his back gently. I notice it before idly saying, "Jay, I know that is you... you might as well come out."
Jay falls down turning back but hitting the ground with an "oof." He looks at me then asks, "how did you know I was there?"