The Archer

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 17539

Still Andrea:

Ideally I should have liked to stay longer, and to sit in on the imminent planning session. I feel that there is more to this affair than I yet know about. Why were they planning on meeting the dragon? Why do they need so many soldiers? Most of all, why do they need a magic user, and not just any magic user but the "king's" daughter?

She's not here as leader of the expedition; it's clear that her father has told both Exotica and Sir Guy that the latter is in charge. So why is she here, clearly against Sir Guy's wishes? From the way she snapped at him, it sounds as if she may not be willing to remain subordinate to him for much longer or to go on playing the role of the dutiful daughter, for all her concern about the possible consequences for her mother.

But I figured I had better make my escape whilst the going was good. If Exotica had attached the leash then, though I'm stronger than a regular fox, I'm not sure that I could have broken free. And I was afraid that, having made me her pet (as she thought), she might proceed to the next stage and try to make me her familiar. That wouldn't have worked, of course; but she'd immediately be aware that it hadn't worked, since it wouldn't be something I could fake. That might alert her that I was not what I seemed.

My main worry now is that it might occur to her to cast a spell on the collar before I can get safely away. If it started to choke me, for instance, then I might have to surrender.

I risk a quick glance over my shoulder as I reach the exit flap of the tent. Exotica has a look of mingled astonishment and sadness on her face. It seems that she had already become very fond of her pet.

As I run through the camp towards the relative safety of the undergrowth surrounding the clearing, I see one of the soldiers fitting a bolt to his crossbow. He has no idea that I'm a spy, of course; but foxes are generally thought of as vermin, and the chance to practise his skill with a small, fast-moving target is too good to miss. He either doesn't know or doesn't care that I had just been made a pet by Exotica.

He is uncomfortably close. I start jinking from side to side as I run, but I fear the worst. Well, not quite the worst, for as a Champion I'm supposed to be immortal; but I can still suffer severe pain and be incapacitated for a lengthy period if his aim is true.

At that moment Exotica emerges from her tent and sees the man taking aim. "Leave her be!" she shouts.

  1. The man still fires but, with his concentration having been disturbed, the bolt flies well wide.

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JH

11/5/2001 3:45:38 AM

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