The Dragon's Key

Chapter 10: A New Friend

Having decided that the young girl would be more comfortable if she knew that Gwen was also from her world, Gwen removed her gambeson and sat in her t-shirt and jeans waiting for the girl to regain awareness. It took what Gwen assumed was about an hour for the young girl to start to become coherent. The process was gradual at first, with the girl simply focusing her eyes, but Gwen was still startled when the young girl broke the silence.

"What's going on? Where am I? Who are you?" the girl asked, panicking.

"Everything is all right. You are safe here." Gwen said, trying to soothe the scared girl. "My name is Gwen. What is your name?"

"I'm Nyah."

"And how old are you?"

"I'm fourteen."

"You were drugged. What is the last thing you remember?"

"I remember running through the woods being chased by some men with weapons. It was terrifying. I screamed for help, but no one came. They surrounded me. I tried to struggle, but they threatened me with their weapons. I was captured and tied up. After that everything is foggy."

"You were captured by slavers, but you are safe now. My friends and I freed you. Do you know where you are?"

"I'm not sure. I was walking down the street when suddenly I was in the woods. I tried to find my way out but then the men found me and started chasing me. Can you help me get home?" Large tears began to slip from Nyah's eyes.

"Where is your home?"

"Brooklyn."

"Well, I don't want you to be scared, but we are stuck in a medieval alternate Earth."

"What?! This cannot be real! You are joking? Please tell me you are joking, right?"

"Unfortunately, as much as I wish it were true, this is all very real," Gwen said, pausing. "However, there is a way for us to get home, but we need to get there. Do you want to meet my companions?"

"Are they nice?"

"Yes. This here is Marigold the fairy."

Marigold flew up in front of Gwen and waved at Nyah.

"A fairy?! I guess I really am in a fantasy land."

Gwen led Nyah into the boys' room. Nyah walked into the room behind Gwen. She peaked nervously around Gwen to see the boys.

"No one is going to hurt you here," Gwen stated, coaxing the younger girl out from behind her. "Guys, this is Nyah."

"Hello Nyah," Maximus said. "Can you tell me about your home world?"

"Not now Max," Gwen and Marigold said in unison.

Nyah returned to hiding behind Gwen.

Starting with Maximus, Gwen introduced Nyah to her traveling companions. Nyah was skittish and wouldn't leave Gwen's side the entire time.

Eventually the evening arrived, and the group decided that the two brothers would go purchase food and bring it back to the inn. The reasoning behind this decision was simple. Nyah did not yet feel comfortable going outside.

After eating, Gwen and Nyah went to sleep in the girls' room.

The next morning Gwen woke up to find Nyah sleeping in the other bed. Nyah woke up rubbing her eyes.

"Guess this isn't a dream after all."

"No, it isn't," Gwen replied.

The girls walked into the boys' room, and they all prepared to continue the journey. They went to the stables and retrieved their horses. The group then continued out of the town. As they left the town, the issue of their riding situation arose. Nyah was still not entirely comfortable with any of the boys, but neither she nor Gwen could ride. After a short amount of discussion, it was decided that Nyah would ride with Gabriel and Gwen would ride with Maximus. Nyah was not thrilled with this arrangement but agreed.