The camp that Oliver took me to, was overcrowded and very very lived in. Although I didn’t like the way that there was a pile of used wooden pots and plates, it felt kinda cosy. As I walked through the camp, I noticed something rather strange. I was the only girl.
“Where is everyone else?” I asked, leaning over to whisper in his ear. His hair tickled my nose making me crinkle it up.
“Oh well this is permanently where we live. We are just on patrol so the women and children stay back at the village.,” Oliver answered.
When we reached the clearing after running from those three men, I fell to the ground as Oliver explained. My sister was queen of this world. Her and the other 10 Animal Tamers formed a council that looked after this Kingdom. However, a few years back one of my sisters most Loyal councilmen, Megvaltozott, decided it would be better if he ruled. He went around, torturing all of the animals, making them do things like kill outlaws and even children. My sister banished him from the council and locked him up under the castle. A group of men who thought he would be a better ruler, stormed the castle and set him free. He fled to the Volcano of Olvadt. No one could get in, because of the army he started. Word is now that he is ready to attack my sisters castle, hungry for the throne.
Oliver led me through to one of the largest tents. He lifted open the tent door and gestured me in, following after.
“Listen buddy, you stay out here. Don’t get into any trouble,” Oliver ordered Robby. Robby shrugged and ran off tripping over a stack of shields. Oliver turned and let go of the door walking in front of me. Inside the tent was...interesting. Clothes were flung everywhere and draped too close to lit candles for my liking. There was a bed to one side, made from a rolled up sheets and pillows. Right in the middle of the room was a desk covered in messy papers and quills. Sitting in the wooden, throne like chair was a very large man. He had wide shoulders and was wearing a vest over a white, long sleeved shirt. From what I could tell, I guess this was Arthur. He was leant over the desk, inspecting a map at very close range. It seemed as though all of the Fire Elves had bright orange hair and emerald green eyes. Oliver cleared his throat and Arthur quickly snapped his head up. He stood and moved around to the front of the desk.
“Oliver...what did I tell you about leaving the group? You and your brother. Both of you, there one moment and gone the next,” Arthur explained. He clearly hadn’t noticed me yet. His gaze was fixed on Oliver, eyebrows meeting in a deadly frown. He was not happy. I looked over at Oliver, seeing how he was reacting to this lecture. He had the widest smile on his face and when I looked back at Arthur, he did too. Both of them burst out laughing as though they shared some secret joke. I sat there twiddling my fingers, waiting to be introduced to Arthur as they laughed at each other.
“Ahhh kid you make me laugh,” Arthur said, wiping a tear from his eye, “What did you do to them this time?”
“Nothing really. They got Robby, so I hid in a bush nearby, but one of them knew I was there and then they got me too. While they were distracted, Robby hid behind a log. I was about to use a few wicked fire moves when the fat one poured water on my head,” Oliver explained. Arthur was transfixed in Olivers rattling tale.
“Well go on,” Arthur begged, “How did you get out?”
“Ummm Pandora actually helped us,” Oliver answered. Arthur looked up at me, taking in my school uniform and bright blue backpack. He pointed at me and then looked back at Oliver.
“Her?” He asked in disbelief. Oliver nodded.
“Well go on...How did she get you out?” Arthur said, mocking Oliver. Oliver paused. He lifted up his hand and set it alight then quickly put it out again
“She used fire,” Oliver said with a shrug of his shoulders. Arthur stood up and got off the desk, walking over to me. He circled me, as if he was trying to figure what I was. The silence lasted for a decade until finally Oliver spoke.
“Thats why I came to talk to you,” he began, “She spoke to the Beings and she came through the door. She reckons the queen is her sister...Crazy I know. She says that she has no Main and then she wen-,” Arthur cut him off.
“No no no no no. We aren’t ready for this,” he muttered.
“Arthur, we can do this. We have a great group of men out there. They set foot past out border and we send them back,”
“Listen, Oliver, I appreciate your stubbornness, but we just don’t have enough men, or enough resources. If they cross that border, we have no hope in escape,”
“What so you are just going to give up?! Just like that?” Oliver yelled, “We’ve worked so hard for this! Arthur...Dad. Please. We can do this!” The two continued arguing getting closer and closer together. I was afraid they were about to pull their swords out and have a duel right there and then.
“Umm excuse me?” I whispered softly. No reaction.
“Guys!” I yelled. They both turned to me, puzzled. “I don’t know what is going on here and I really enjoy listening to you guys argue...But do you think you could stop and maybe...y’know. EXPLAIN?!?!” I yelled. I really was changing. Never, ever was I this feisty. They both looked down at their shoes and mumbled sorry. Oliver looked up and his face was red. They both looked so upset and I just couldn’t help laughing at their faces. While I was on the ground, laughing at the sight of a grown man showing mercy towards me, they two elves looked at each other, puzzled.
“See son, this is why we leave the women at home,” Arthur whispered, leaning towards Oliver. They both looked at each other and totally lost it, collapsing to the ground it fits of happiness.
“Wait wait wait, so I’m really the only one who can help? There is no one else?” I asked, opening my school lunch. I hadn’t eaten all say.
“Apparently. The Queen said that once a young girl crosses to this side via her sisters door, then Megvaltozott’s army would be ready. It is said that you can master all of the Four Major elements and you are an animal tamer,” Oliver answered with a mouthful of chicken leg. We were sitting around a large campfire, eating dinner. The sun was going down and I was glad I had a moment to sit down and process the whole day's events. I examined the contents of my lunch. A Peanut Butter sandwich, a Freddo Frog,an Apple and a few biscuits. I pulled out half of my sandwich and took a bite. Food had never tasted so good.
“What are you eating?” Oliver questioned looking at my sandwich and lunchbox.
“It’s a Peanut Butter sandwich. Wanna try some?” I said handing the other half to him.
“Yes please,” He took a bite and looked up at me, “This-is-amazing.” He laughed. He was licking the roof of his tongue like a dog did when they ate peanut butter.
“Robby, Arthur, come over here and try this!” Oliver called out. Arthur and Robby walked over carrying a plate of chicken and bread each. Oliver handed them each a piece of sandwich and Robby sniffed it curiously.
“What is it?” Arthur said.
“It’s Buttered Peanuts” Oliver answered.
“No no no,” I laughed, “Peanut Butter.” Arthur and Robby each took a bite looking at each other nodding in approval. Oliver took another huge bite out of his sandwich. The three all began to lick the roofs of their mouths. I fell off the back of the log I was sitting on. It was like watching a trio of bobble headed dogs experience peanut butter for the first time. I laughed until I cried and decided that these guys weren’t so bad after all.
