Shapeshifter, Fae and other Inconveniences

Chapter 3

The so called "Hole" really could have not been described better than what the name already suggested. A rather deep pit reaching down at least four meters additionally it was quite hidden since it was right next to a big rock that reached slightly over the hole covering most of the sky.

I had been thrown in here more than five hours ago luckily only scratching my knees and hands. And until two hours ago I had unsuccessfully tried to escape. Climbing up was no option since firstly the walls had been removed of any kind of stones or roots one could pull themselves up. And secondly the bastards had set up sharply carved sticks on which I would surely pierce myself if I even managed to reach this high. Screaming for help was something I tried for merely thirty minutes until one of the men showed up telling me to shut up. My throat had since than been scratchy and was now starting to get rather dry considering my lack of water down here.

 Trying to come up with another plan for my breakout had become more and more difficult as well. Frustration was eating me from the inside out I was starting to doubte my abilities blaming myself for getting caught up in this mess. My tail was nervously swishing from left to right. The only thing I was really good at was causing trouble I was at fault for literally everything that happened. Why did I have to run so far from my village why did I have to use my powers so careless and above all what was I thinking leading these demons back to my home.

Pulling up the sleeve of my cloak I looked at the ink that covered part of my forearm located just next to the crook of my arm dark swirls flowing away from the centre part of the curse. A dark black eye staring right back at me serving as a constant reminder for what had happened. Reliving the memories from that day made tears come to my eyes the warm droplets slowly sliding down my cold cheek leaving behind a bitter trail. Crawling to the back of the hole I curled myself up tightly pulling the traitorous cloak around me hoping for a bit more warmth in the dark pits of my misery.

Something cold hit my cheek pulling me out of my dozed of form. Blinking rapidly, I immediately looked up taking a defensive stance expecting my capturers to have thrown something at me. However, no one was standing at the entrance of the hole looking down on me instead another drop hit me on the cheek. Looking up into the sky I finally realised it had started to rain thick grey clouds were pushing past each other covering up the usual baby blue. In addition to the rain the light had started fleeting painting everything over with grey. 

I figured that by now it must have surely been about eight to ten hours since I got locked up in here setting the current time to early evening. My condition had drastically worsened since than I could feel the gawking hole in my stomach the lack of proper food for at least two days had me at a fairly weak point my legs feeling wobbly and my mind rather foggy. Moreover, my throat felt like a burning desert. And with the incoming rain the increasing cold would only further deplete my energy. Juuust great! Would my journey really be ended prematurely with me rooting away in this disgusting pit?

Well, I guess not because just in this moment I could hear two small animals making their way over to me their steps suddenly turning into those of two men. It were the two lackeys of the bastard that had me thrown down here after our confrontation this morning. With squinted eyes I remained quit and stared up to them getting some disdainful looks in return. "Time for the questioning little traitor!" the one I recognized as the smallest one spoke up. "You better do as we say, no running away got it!" 

Some kind of rope construct was tossed my direction it was supposedly the replacement of a ladder and my way out of here. I hesitated for a moment not keen on the prospect of getting closer two the shifters. On the other hand, I would at least be getting out of this stinky pit and maybe I could try to run nevertheless. Grabbing onto the rope I started slowly making my way up hissing when the scratches on my hand started opening further leaving them slightly bloody. It would be best to cleanse the wounds to avoid possible infection though I doubted I would get the chance to any time soon. Finally making it to the top both men immediately grabbed on to me pulling me into their middle and therefore giving me no chance to run. I wouldn't have gotten far anyways climbing the "ladder" had left me panting and my legs pulsing due to the effort. Without a word or second glance at me the two started walking literally dragging me behind them.

 After a good ten-minute walk, we arrived at a small clearing up ahead I could make out a small lake just next to a rock wall. Positioned in between both were several tent-like constructs. All around the small camp were people huddled together some children running around playing with each other. I could count at least twenty individuals. All of them had similar features just like the men apparently all of the same shifter form. A foreign sentiment overcame me while observing the family's sitting and chatting together. I couldn't quit pinpoint what it was that made my heart feel heavy. Maybe a sort of jealously towards their togetherness or their shared physical traits.

My line of vision got interrupted when I was shoved into a small tent which stood a little further away from the main camp. I was shoved down to the floor my hands were tied behind my back and around some kind of stake. "Well than care to tell us about ya friends!" The oldest of the previous trio was sitting right in front of me on a slightly elevated stool. Just from the way he always ordered around the others and how he held himself I guessed that he must be the chief of the shifter group. "I do not know what you're talking about I am not in an alliance with Fae if that is what you're getting at!" My voice came out slightly hoarse and I had to suppress a cough. Giving me some water would be the very least they could do. "Ya Fae friends have sent a spy bevor trying to raid our camp luckily we were able to scare away the moule." "I'm saying it again since you don't seem to get it. I. Am. A. Simple. Traveler. I would never team up with these arrogant creatures. I am telling the truth. Please just belief me already."

Ok I got to admit that last part came out a bit desperate but looking at the daggers positioned next to the chief had me scared they would want to try different methods of obtaining information. The chief led out a fake sigh setting up a disappointed expression. "Well, ya just missed your chance for a peaceful negotiation. If ya don't wanna talk, I gotta resort to violence." Ah seriously it was just a thought it didn't want to jinx it to actually becoming reality. A shiver crept up my spine cold sweet forming down my neck my ears pulled down unconsciously and my eyes shot to the daggers. Noticing my line of sight an evil grinned creeped up on the mans face.

Right then someone came barging into the tent. Not being able to fully turn around I could only hear the panting of a man and his hectic movements. "They are here they are invading the camp!" Furrowing his brows the chief shoot up grabbing his weapons and running out the tent. At first a rush of relief washed over me but than my ears picked up the sound of screams and the chaos of fleeing people. Sniffing I was able to distinguish the smell of smoke. The camp was being raided and I could only guess by whom.