Crystal Shards: Malady

Chapter 5: Dark Folly

 The sun hangs high in the sky as Annabelle and Elliot walk through a spacious plain. They come to the edge of a cliff and look off, a middle sized port town in the distance. Beyond that, the sky can be seen darkened in the distance. Past the port town also seems to have the wildlife decaying into a desert. Several ships have anchored in the harbor, no surprise to Elliot.

"Well, we're finally here," Elliot announces. "Grab on, I'm gonna jump us down," He lets his wings out and offers his hand to the small girl. Annabelle grips his hand with both of hers as Elliot jumps from the cliff. As they come down, he uses his wings to slow their landing, gently placing them both down. "Holly said she's be at The Margrave," He says aloud as he walks towards the town with Annabelle in tow. "Stay close. This isn't a good place," He warns.

"Okay, will do Elliot," She says, reaching up and taking his hand again. He leads her into the rather rundown looking town. The buildings are old and worn. Some windows have been shattered and there is a constant noise throughout the town, mostly just rowdy chatter. In an alleyway, woman offers her services to a man while next to her two other individuals conclude some kind of dealings.

"Typical," Elliot comments as he keeps walking. At the center of town is a large building that resembles more of an old saloon. The wooden sign at the top of the building reads "The Margrave". Elliot instantly heads towards it, not interested in being outside any longer than he needs to. He pushes through the wooden doors that hang by the walls and part in the center. No one even notices he has entered as the first floor is a tavern. Everyone minds their own business, a couple of men fist fighting in the corner over trivial matters while the rest consume their alcohol and yell over one another. Elliot approaches the bartender, Annabelle not able to see over the counter.

"What can I get ya?" The bartender asks. He is an elderly looking man with a trimmed goatee and shaggy gray hair. He's dressed in a stained light blue shirt and old black slacks. He looks down to Annabelle. "We don't serve her here. Try down the street,"

"No thank you. I'm here to see Holly Ashre. She has a room upstairs," Elliot explains.

"She did leave a note. Your name? Gotta make sure you're the right person," He asks.

"Elliot Grayden. Keep it quiet," Elliot instructs to which the man nods.

"Yeah yeah, don't want someone trying to be macho trying to take down a heroic figure," He comments. "Room seven upstairs," Elliot nods and leads Annabelle upstairs as quickly as possible. They hurry down the hallway until they reach the door marked with a seven that has been crudely nailed on. Elliot knocks loudly due to the rumblings from downstairs and the door is quickly answered by the familiar face of Holly.

"Hey you made it! Was starting to worry," Holly remarks, pulling him into a hug. Elliot is completely surprised by the sudden hug, but he returns the gesture. Afterwards, she lets them inside. Elliot takes notice of Valencia on the other bed.

"I take it he's the guy you've been waiting for," Valencia asks. "Name's Valencia. You gotta be Elliot," She peers over to Annabelle. "What's with the kid?" Holly also takes notice and is unpleasantly surprised by a child being here.

"I'm Annabelle. Elliot is protecting me!" Annabelle introduces herself, Elliot turning his head to the side.

"She was being pursued," Elliot tries to explain himself, but he knows just how stupid it was to bring her along.

"It's alright um... we'll figure something out," Holly says, trying to make the best of it. "Valencia will be sailing us into Colobus Drek. The terrain is rough to traverse on foot, so I think going by sea is the best option," Holly turns and kneels down to grab her suitcase out from under the bed. "We're going to leave as soon as possible. I'll explain more when we get to Valencia's ship," Holly continues.