An Imaginary Throne // Doctor Strange // Far From Home

Chapter Thirteen // kill him

CASEY POUNDS on the door, shouting to attract the attention of the guard lingering outside. She had waited until Eli or whatever his name was had left but still feared there were more men outside than the one she could see. She isn't wounded but the ordeal from earlier had left her exhausted and she hoped to avoid as much physical conflict as possible. Not that she'll have a choice when she finds Kaecilius.

"Guard, please! I need help!"

"Be quiet!" The man replies but she continues relentless.

"Guard!" Strange yells, "She's sick! She needs help!"

"You're a doctor aren't you?" He asks but there's a concerned edge to his tone that Casey doesn't miss.

"What do you think Kaecilius will do to you if his daughter dies here, because of your carelessness."

That appears to be the argument that wins him over because a second later they hear the click of a key fitting into a lock and then the door swings open.

"Well what is it?" The man demands.

Casey's eyes narrow. Muttering a binding spell she produces a white band of energy and tackles him to the floor. he thrusts his head against the timber hard enough to knock him unconscious and, after checking his breathing, ties his wrists together and climbs to her feet.

The corridor looms long and wide before her, the wallpaper faded and worn. The previously clean-cut appearance of the mansion must have all been the work of BARF because it's current state is almost unrecognizable. She glances back at Strange and a sudden wave of guilt forces her to linger there, watching him.

"I'll be back." She says then bends down and pulls a wooden plank free from the floorboards. Hoisting it over her shoulder, she pivots on her heel, stiffening like a plank herself when she sees the figure standing down the hallway. Eli. He's by the staircase, flanked by two cloaked guards. Noting the less than pleased expression on his face, Casey's eyes flit to the passageway to her left.

And she runs without looking back.

"Shit." She hisses when her haste carries her to a cupboard filled with old coats, "Shit. Shit. Shit."

It's a dead end.

A crash echoes behind her, followed by several loud thuds.

Desperate, she conjures a sword of light but when she turns and comes face to face with Eli, the weapon all but fizzles out. She raises her fists instead, grateful to see that he's alone but wondering where the other men have disappeared.

"Wait!" He shouts, catching her hand as it soars toward him.

She ignores him, kicking her leg up and thrusting it into his chest. He stumbles back and his eyes darken.

"I said wait!" He repeats and raises his hands in surrender, stepping out of the way so she can see the corridor behind him. The floor is littered with bodies. The guards.

"I want to help."

"Why the hell should I trust you?" Casey pants, raising her forearms in defence.

Eli glances back with worry, "I don't think we have time for my sob story." He says, "You just have to."

"Well I don't. So start talking. Now!"

"I can heal your friend, the sorcerer. I'll do it now." He moves to leave but she grabs his hood and yanks him back.

"What happened? Why are you suddenly on our side?"

Eli stares at her for a moment, emotion fighting over his features before they agree to sit uneasily on his face. Equally unsettled, she releases the fabric, rocking back on her heels.