CHAPTER NINE

Welcome To Uutresk

This time when Sheila laughed, Hank resisted the urge to look her way. She and Donnova had become fast friends since they left the Rocks of Resonance. "Inseparable" was a better word. Sheila hadn't even been sleeping close to him at night anymore. She and Donnova would pick a spot a little ways away from everyone and whisper and occasionally giggle with each other. Each night, he told himself he'd say something about it the next day, but of course, he never did. What could he say?

And Sheila wasn't the only one under Donnova's influence. She had given Presto a few tips toward improving his magic � not that she was any kind of magician herself, she had admitted, but she claimed to have dabbled a bit. She had said that you couldn't live in the Realm for so long without picking up a few tricks here and there.

Eric she had bonded with over a shared dislike of Dungeon Master that only Venger could rival.

Diana and Bobby were fairly neutral. They accepted her well enough.

As for himself, he found that he just couldn't approach her like the others. He realized that after what he had said to her about being a team player, he wasn't being much of one himself. He simply couldn't like her, and he didn't feel he had any truly legitimate reasons not to. He just kept telling himself that they would all be home soon and that they could forget this world, forget this woman, and get their lives back on track � their real lives.

He looked up at the sky. It was somewhere between late afternoon and early evening, he guessed. By his calculations, such as they were, they should be reaching Uutresk any time now. He could see the pale outline of mountains far, far in the distance, the last real landmark on the way to Realm's Edge. They would take Death's Pass, which would take them straight through the largest of the mountains. But what kind of place was this for a city? Judging by the map, Uutresk looked to be a good size, but they hadn't seen or heard anyone around, as one would expect to see in the land surrounding.

Everything felt dead here. Sure, there were trees and grass, birds, and what sounded like lizards running through the leaves here and there; and the path they traveled wasn't completely choked by nature, it did seem to have some wear on it, but it was otherwise lifeless.

"You smell that, Hank?" Donnova came up behind him and threw an arm around his shoulders. She inhaled dramatically. "Stables. And where there are stables, there are horses. We'll make much better time on horseback."

Now that she mentioned it, there was a faint smell in the air that made him think of a farm, of animals.

"What makes you think someone would just give them to us?" he asked her.

But then her arm fell away from him as she stopped and stared ahead. He followed her gaze to the distant structure coming into view. If this was Uutresk, it was not at all what he had imagined, not nearly as big. This looked like a small, walled town. He checked the map. According to it, the only thing out here was the city of Uutresk, and it had no walls. Still, this had to be it.

The closer they got, the more Hank preferred the quiet of moments ago. He could hear yelling and screaming and the clinking of metal against metal through the stone walls of the place.

Finally, they reached the massive wooden door. A simple, heavy knocker was low and center.

"Suppose we should knock," said Hank, as he reached out to do just that.

Eric jumped between Hank and the door and shoved him backwards. "Knock? Knock! Are you nuts? I don't think I wanna see what I hear on the other side of that door!" he yelled. "I say we just keep going and act like we never saw this place!"

"Myeah!" Uni worriedly bleated. Then, she looked up at Eric as if she couldn't believe she was actually agreeing with him.

Bobby crouched down and stroked her mane. "Don't worry, Uni. I wouldn't let anything happen to ya."

"Maybe Eric's right, Hank. Things don't sounds too friendly in there," said Sheila in her typically worried tone of voice. "We could keep going. What do you think, Donnova?"

You're asking her? Hank thought.

"If they have horses, I'd like to try bargaining for some for the rest of this trip."

"You've got money?" Presto asked.

"What little some of the villagers of Edonlea had," she told him offhandedly.

"You took their money?" Hank asked.

"They had no more use of it," she said in her defense. Then, after seeing his annoyed expression, added, "You do what you have to do to get by in this world."

Hank decided to drop it before it had a chance to become an argument.

Then Diana spoke, "You know, Hank, we are more than halfway to Realm's Edge. We can make it on foot. Right, everyone? I mean, what if whatever's in there doesn't want to let us out again? We have to be extra careful right now."

Hank was about to agree when a little voice said, "We won't lock you up, sillies. You're welcome to stay the night, if that's what you wish. It would be nice to have some normal people here for a change."

"Who said that?" Bobby asked as everyone looked around.

"It was me," the tiny voice said with a tiny giggle. "Down here."

All looked down at what looked like a white lizard that stood on its hind legs. It was standing just outside a small crack in the wall, looking at everyone with small pink eyes. It ran forward, climbed Hank's leg and ducked under his tunic, giggling all the way up.

"Stop it! That tickles!" Hank said through his laughter.

The lizard emerged through his collar, and rubbed its head against the bottom of his chin. "Mmm, you feel nice," it said.

"Um, thanks. But I don't think we've been properly introduced," said Hank. Everyone laughed. He held out a hand and it climbed on, holding tightly to his thumb and wrapping its tail around his forefinger.

"You're Hank, and I'm Uellen. There, we aren't strangers anymore." She fluttered grey eyelashes at him. "So, have you made up your mind yet, Hank?"

"A-about what?" Hank asked. He blinked, trying to remember what they were talking about before the talking lizard had appeared. "Oh, that. Well. . . ." He glanced up at the door with an uncertain look on his face.

"You must have been walking for days, poor dears." Uellen scrambled down Hank's body. "Now, stay right there, and I'll let you in."

She ducked back through the crack from which she had emerged, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, the sounds of metal scraping metal could be heard from the other side of the door. The door then eased open, pulled by an orc with only one well-muscled arm. He wore a simple brown tunic and black boots, rather than the armor of Venger's soldiers. And on the top of his head sat Uellen, smiling and waving them inside.

When they didn't immediately follow, she peered over the top of the forehead of the one-armed orc. Banging a tiny white fist on his brow, she said in an urgent whisper, "Smile! You're scaring my friends!"

The ends of the orc's mouth curved upward at her command into something that barely passed for a smile. "All are welcome to Uutresk Sanctuary. No one is turned away," he said.

"Uh, thanks," Hank said.

"They haven't brought us anyone, Bitsnout. They just need a place to stay for the night," Uellen told him.

"Oh," he replied.

"Come on in, everyone," she told them.

They stepped within the boundary of the sanctuary, as the orc had called it. For the most part, it looked like a typical town with roads, shops, small houses and such. It was the people themselves who set this place apart. It seemed every species of the Realm could be found here, but only of the most outre and grotesque sort. So many of them were deformed or missing a leg, an arm, an eye, a foot. Most kept their heads down. The ones who did glance up quickly averted their gaze and went on about their business.

A muffled scream sent a chill down Hank�s spine. He looked for the sound, and noticed a distant, tall barrier of wooden planks that seemed to divide the town. A crowd had gathered against the wooden barricade, peering out at them from between the planks. Unlike the quiet people on this side of the barrier, those beyond moaned and grunted, waving arms and gnawing on the wood. He heard the sounds of rattling chains coming from several different directions, then another distant scream, distinctly male this time.

What kind of place is this? Hank wondered.

"So, this is it, huh? I thought you said it was a big city," Eric said to Hank. Hank could hear in Eric's faltering voice that he was really just as shaken as everybody else probably was, including himself.

"Uutresk was a city once, a very, very long time ago," Uellen explained as she led them down a stone path. "But it was abandoned, and its stones and metals were used for the walls and chains here. All that remains is what you see. It became a place where all the unfortunates of the Realm could be cared for. Some are brought here, like I was; and some, like Bitsnout, come on their own."

"I served Venger until I lost my arm in battle. I knew he would kill me, so I ran away. He kills any too weak to fight. I was lucky to escape," Bitsnout told them.

Hank felt a strange sympathy for the orc. "Guess that explains why we've never seen an injured orc."

"We've also never met one who could speak so well," Diana added.

Bitsnout smiled and pointed to his little rider still atop his head. "Little Fairie Dragon teaches me."

"And quite a job it's been, too," Uellen added, smiling down at him.

Hank looked back over his shoulder at the others. They had the same confused look he had.

Presto looked at him and mouthed, "Fairie Dragon?" Hank shrugged in response. He wanted to ask Uellen the obvious question, but decided it wouldn't be tactful.

Suddenly, Uellen shouted, "Ah, there he is!"

Bitsnout raised his hand so that the odd-looking Fairie Dragon could jump into his large palm. She didn't wait for him to lower her to the ground, she jumped and ran excitedly toward a man who was having a little trouble climbing out of a square hole in the ground. Bitsnout quickly walked over and helped the man out.

"Thank you, my friend," the man said to the orc. He then flipped a trapdoor shut and locked it.

Hank looked the man over. He thought he looked like a gypsy peddler straight out of an old movie. He was neither tall nor short, and was dressed in subdued colors from head to foot. He wore an eye patch and a wraparound headband with shiny little trinkets dangling on all sides. He also had a pegleg, and held a cane that had a whip attached to the handle.

"You should have had someone help you with him," Uellen scolded him as she climbed up to sit on his shoulder.

"No, no, my pet. Best I manage him alone. He's in quite a state," the man said to her.

"We have guests," Bitsnout informed him.

The man looked up at Hank and the others. "Oh, hello there. Sorry I wasn't there to greet you. Didn't hear the knock."

Hank was about to explain, but Uellen spoke first. "They didn't knock. All the screaming nearly frightened them away."

The peg-legged man looked apologetic. "Oh. Sorry you had to hear all that. It's normally a bit quieter 'round here, but I've a couple causin' an uproar lately, sayin' the world's comin' to an end. I hate havin' to put anyone in the dungeons, but. . . .

"But that's not your worry. I am Warandraw Oldbano, but everyone just calls me Oldbano. What can I do for you today?"

"They'd like a place to stay for the night. They're travellers, adventurers," the little Fairie Dragon broke in again.

Oldbano cut his eyes toward Uellen and pursed his lips. "People can speak for themselves, ya know?"

Uellen cringed with a smile. "Sorry," she whispered.

"Are ya quite done, pet?" Oldbano teased.

"Mmmm . . . mmm-hmm." She was obviously trying not to giggle.

"Ya sure?" Oldbano was about to laugh himself.

The Fairie Dragon nodded as she played with the hair that was sticking out from his headband.

Oldbano turned again to his guests. "Travelers, eh? Wherever could you be headed this far south? There's nothing down here for young adventure-seekers."

"We're going to Realm's Edge," Hank answered.

Oldbano's eyes widened and he laughed heartily. "Realm's Edge? Perhaps the lot of you are already in the right place! Here, among the insane!

"Son, no one goes to Realm's Edge . . . and makes it back to speak of it, that is. You're certainly welcome to spend the night � Uellen and the missus can help you get settled in the guest house. Don't think anyone's ever used it, now I think of it," he said with a scratch of the head. "But I'd advise that you head north when you leave us. Realm's Edge is no place for children, I can tell you."

"I appreciate the warning, Oldbano, but Dungeon Master told us to go there. We've come too far to turn back now," said Hank.

"Ah. . . . Dungeon Master. Well, tha's a bit diff'rent, I 'spose. If he sent you that way, who am I to question it, eh? I wish you luck on your journey, then. You'll need it. Now, you'll have to excuse me. Must prepare for the evening meal. I'll have the wife bring you something.

"And now, I must leave you in Uellen's care. She's quite handy around here for such a little thing. I know she'll enjoy havin' company."

"Thanks," said Hank as Uellen jumped from Oldbano's shoulder to his.

"See ya later, pet," Oldbano said to Uellen before hobbling away.

Uellen showed them to the guest house and soon they all ate delicious home-cooked meals of various vegetables and a little meat, with fruit for dessert, all courtesy of Mrs. Oldbano. Home-grown, as well, Uellen had told them as she ate from a small saucer. "You should see our garden," she had said.

As they ate, Hank listened as she told them all about Oldbano and the Sanctuary. The gate dividing the town separated those who could still live in civilized society from those who could not. Beyond the gate were the mentally ill and the insane. Most of them had to be chained to their rooms so they couldn't harm others. It was best to stay away from them, not to get them too excited. There was even a special part of the garden devoted to the growing of herbs used to subdue the more violent ones.

The way she went on about other aspects of life there, it was as if she was preparing them to live there forever. Hank figured it was as Oldbano had said, she really enjoyed their company. And everyone enjoyed her company as well. Even though he'd only just met her, he already regretted having to leave her in the morning.

As Presto finished his fruit, he broached the subject of Uellen's apparent handicap. "So, Uellen, . . . I . . . guess you're here because you don't have wings like the others," he said in the most careful of tones.

Uellen looked at him in shocked surprise. "Others? You've seen the other Fairie Dragons? Met them?" She ran over and jumped into his lap with an anxious look in her little pink eyes.

"We rescued Queen Tasmira from King Varon," said Bobby proudly.

"And then we helped them escape with their treasure to a new home, The Forest at the Edge of the World," Diana added.

Uellen begged them to tell all and looked as though she might faint as they took turns filling in the details. When they were done, she clutched her tiny hands against her tiny chest and, with tears welling in her eyes, said, "They're all home? They made it?"

Everyone nodded, except Donnova, who knew nothing of this adventure. Hank felt so sorry for this last Fairie Dragon. He couldn't imagine what it could be like to discover you're the only one of your kind left behind in a place like this. He'd been thinking about it since he first learned what she was.

"I'm so sorry you couldn't go with them, Uellen," Hank said softly.

"Oh . . . that's OK, Hank." She sniffled. "I'm just so happy they're all safe. I was so worried . . . so worried after my parents didn't visit me for my birthday a month ago. They always came to see me on my birthday. It was a long and tiring trip for them. Dangerous, too, to be out so far. But . . . but they always came." She paused to try to collect herself. "I was so afraid something had happened to them. I wanted to search for them, but . . . but I'm so . . . small . . . and I can't . . . because I don't have�" She wiped her eyes with the tip of her tail.

"I'm so sorry, Uellen," Sheila said, with tears in her eyes.

Uellen rubbed her eyes and composed herself. "I was brought here by the one human friend we had when I was small, you see. I mean, well, I've always been small, even for a Fairie Dragon. This is my home, now. And Oldbano would just be lost without me." She smiled as well as she could. "Without wings, I never could have. . . . Well, I'm just glad they're all home. Thank you so much, all of you, for helping them.

"Now, it's getting late. You'll all need good rest for your journey tomorrow. Go on to bed, now. I'll see you in the morning. I'll make sure you get a good breakfast. Goodnight."

Everyone said their goodnights back to her, but she had too quickly slipped out the door.

"Poor thing," Sheila said. "She was so brave in front of us."

"Yeah," Presto said, watching the door sorrowfully.

"Yeah, well, thanks for not telling her I was the one who broke that mirror," said Eric to the wall.

No one responded. There was really no need.

"Let's get some sleep, guys," said Hank.