Twisted Wonderland 2

The Kindly Bell Ringer

You hear voices. Different people talking about something. Opening your eyes, you slowly sit up and rub your head. Looking up, you see the shadows of the people approaching. You quickly get up and hide behind a cluster of various objects.

"Thanks for the encouragement."

You spot a young man limp into the room from the balcony. His back is curved, resulting in a large hump above his right shoulder. His face is somewhat squashed, with a large upturned nose and a large lump above his left eye. He has fair skin, red hair, and teal eyes. His clothing is comprised of a short sleeved green tunic, brown tights, and dark teal shoes.

Three gargoyles trail behind him.

"But you're all forgetting one big thing." The boy sighs.

"What?" The gargoyles ask.

"My master, Frollo." The boy says sadly.

One of the gargoyles tilts his head. "Well, when he says you're forbidden from ever leaving the bell tower, does he mean ever ever?"

"Never ever!" The boy shakes his head. "And he hates the Feast of Fools! He'd be furious if I asked to go."

"Who says you gotta ask?"

The boy shakes his head. "Oh no."

"Ya sneak out..."

"It's just one afternoon."

"And ya sneak back in."

"I mean, if I got caught?" The boy asks.

"Better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission."

The boy shakes his head. "He might see me."

"You could wear a disguise. Just this once. What Frollo doesn't know, can't hurt you!"

"Nobody wants to stay cooped up here forever."

The boy smiles. "You're right! I'll go!"

The gargoyles cheer.

The boy walks towards the door. "'ll get cleaned up. I'll stroll down those stairs. I'll march through the doors and-"

The door opens and Frollo steps in. The boy steps back and the gargoyles appear solid.

"Good morning, Quasimodo."

Your eyes widen, recalling your previous dream. He must be the baby Frollo had to watch...

Quasimodo looks to the floor nervously. "Ah-um, good morning, master."

"Dear boy, whomever are you talking to?"

"My friends..."

"I see." Frollo taps a gargoyle on the head. "And what are your friends made of, Quasimodo?"

"Stone."

"Can stone talk?"

Quasimodo shakes his head. "No, it can't."

Frollo nods. "That's right. You're a smart lad. Now... lunch."

Quasimodo rushes and retrieves a table setting. A silver chalice and plate for Frollo and a wooden cup and plate for himself. He and Frollo sit at the table.

Frollo sets a basket on the table and takes out a bottle of wine. "Shall we review your alphabet today?"

Quasimodo nods. "Yes, master. I would like that very much."

Frollo nods. "Very well. A?"

"Abomination."

"B?"