Beyond the Rabbit Hole

A Dreadful End to a Dreadful Journey

"Now we can speak," said Mikhael with a certain pleasantness in his voice. He stepped forward with his arms crossed behind his back, the rose-sewn tail of his silky black robe flitting behind him as he strode. The fabric remained clean, hovering several inches from the ground.

Alyss's knees threatened to give out, but she took to her feet, nonetheless. I will show no weakness!

"I have watched you and your partner for a time," Mikhael lowered his head slightly and outstretched one arm with a welcoming gesture while tucking the other beneath his chest—a knightlier bow than before. "So little of it you needed to get as far as you have. In short, you've impressed me."

"I only care what you want," Alyss replied.

"Pleasantries are the bedrock of any relationship, my fair lady," Mikhael said. Though covered by the veil, his slight smile was apparent by the playful tone of his voice. "But I will skip them if it pleases you. I am Mikhael, a dreadknight of sorts—though I prefer to keep a less intimidating visage when amongst humans."

Alyss's gaze narrowed into a glare as the elegant dreadknight prattled on.

Meeting her eyes, Mikhael's voice became more serious. "I have an offer I would like to make. I present a deal, if you will, to both my fair lady and her handsome lord."

The way he speaks is strange. Somewhat irritating, but. . . I kind of like it. Alyss sighed and lowered her scythe. She set the blade against the ground so the shaft stuck straight up and she leaned against it, the sheer weight of the weapon easily holding still against her body. "So, you have something for us, and we can provide something you want, is that right?"

"Quite," Mikhael replied. "But I do not expect you to trust me right away, so I have prepared for you a gift—a token of my intentions."

"What kind of gift?" Alyss's eyes narrowed.

"It shall benefit not only you, but the others with you as well," Mikhael chuckled. "Your dear companions should be joining you momentarily. Return with them to the ones left in the collapsed mineshaft and make your way to the castle. You will notice that all undead have been dispersed from the area. The lowly creatures will no doubt find their way back in a few days' time, so make haste. I shall meet you again within the safety of the walls, and there we can discuss. . . our deal." Mikhael turned without another word and disappeared into the darkness.

Alyss wanted to stop him, grab him by the vest of his robe and force him to speak more clearly, but it was all she could manage to stay standing. Her body was giving in, and her eyes began to drift into a deep sleep. No. . . not yet. She shook away the fatigue once more.

The white hare hopped through the sky and landed on her shoulder. "My apologies for not being any more help. But I congratulate you on your first real victory- er, draw, I suppose. I always knew you had it in you."

Alyss sighed deeply as irritation creased her brow. I don't have the energy to snap at you. . . damned bunny. "If there's anything you know that can help me stay awake for a little while longer. . . I'll take that by way of apology."

"Ah, in that case, there may be good news for you yet," said the hare, turning to face a portion of the darkness behind Alyss.

As the hare turned, Alyss felt a familiar sensation wash over her, and her face lit up with happiness. "Morgyn!"

Behind Alyss, four silhouettes emerged from the haze. Benard and Morgyn, though horribly exhausted, held Serana up by her arms as the three limped through the darkness. Bjurrin limped behind them, using his axe as a walking stick.