Healers' Call

Valda's Offer

It was pitch black as Valda followed the female giant and Nisog. Her once aching feet were now like two pulsing blocks of fire attached to her legs. Every part of her body was groaning, and she grew envious of her friends. They may all have been unconscious, but at least they were being carried.

They approached a giant sized hole in the mountain, with two guards standing outside. They both bowed as the female passed and sneered at her. If Valda hadn't been so tired she was sure their looks would have terrified her, but she was beyond it now.

The hole led into a dark tunnel which amplified all sound. She could hear her footsteps and that of the giants. She could hear her friends' quieter breathing compared to the laboured breaths of their guards. And now and then she could hear Carrick muttering in his sleep.

It felt like a lifetime later, when they exited the tunnel into a massive cavern, or at least that was what Valda thought it was until she examined the ceiling more closely. What she had assumed was rock was actually the night sky. It made her realise she was actually in a large hole in the mountain's side. She wondered whether it had formed naturally or if the giants had carved into the stone, but she didn't get to ponder on it long.

They were heading towards light, passing huts along the way. Giants peered out at her, with varying expressions that ranged from curiosity to anger. Valda even spotted a few baby giants that were even smaller than Nisog.

"My Queen, what will you have us do with these?" Bifgar said, looking at his shoulder with disdain.

The female giant turned and considered the three Fae. "Take them to a tent and have them guarded. They are to remain unharmed until Kadtius says otherwise."

It was clear Bifgar and the other giants were not happy, but they followed her orders, regardless. Valda's heart sank as she watched her friends disappear.

"Come, we best not keep my husband waiting."

Valda, once more, fell into step behind the female giant.

The light was in fact a large bonfire which many giants were gathering around.

"Ahh, my beautiful son has returned to us." Boomed a rumbling voice that seemed to shake Valda's bones.

Nisog demanded to be put down and ran towards another male giant sat atop a chair carved directly from the stone floor.

"My King." The female giant bowed.

"My Queen." He smiled back at her.

"I have brought the Fae that were found with Nisog. I believe you should speak with this one." The giant Queen swept her hand to show Valda a few steps behind her, trying to not cower under the giant King's unreadable eyes.

"Step forward halfling and explain why you were travelling with my son?"

Whispers accompanied the giant King's words, even the giant Queen looked shocked.

"Halfling?" She said uncertainly.

Kadtius smiled with a mischief smirk. "The creature is half Fae, half human. Is that not right?" His eyes bored into Valda's, whilst the whispers turned to mutterings.

Valda cleared her throat, only now realising how thirsty she was. "Yes, King Kadtius." She hoped using his proper title would keep him in a good mood.

"There, now that is cleared up. Can you explain why you were in the company of my son, seeing as he has been missing for the last four days?"

All eyes seemed to stare at her, waiting.

Valda began recounting the last few days since finding Nisog stuck in the mud pit.