Chapter 21

During the ride to Vriles the tension in the air was so thick that it could be cut with a knife. They were even more nervous about what was waiting for them than they had been when approaching Grea. All of them had never visited Vriles, so what was awaiting them was completely unknown. And this terrified them.

They had left the guards in Grea, instructing them listen out for new information. One of the guards had ridden back to the palace and was recruiting a small group to meet them in Vriles. They wouldn't arrive until after the three men, but it was better than having no back up at all.

When they arrived in the village it was growing dark. People were on their way home and the busy street markets were closing.

The whole busy atmosphere was nothing like the one in Grea. James had always loved this time of day, but seeing it in a different place was odd. Especially since no one here seemed to be happy or smiling.

"We'd best hang back. We don't want them to know that we are here," Oscar said, stepping back behind the buildings.

"Yes, we don't really fit in very well," Andrew said, looking down at his grand clothing. Oscar was wearing a very similar outfit, and even James' old tunic would be too clean and fine to fit in.

They sat in the shadows and watched the people walk by for a while. It didn't quiet down until it was dark, and even then there were many people out in the streets. Some were drinking and conversing with each other, others were sleeping in doorways and under small shelters.

"I don't think it will get any quieter than this." Oscar said, looking very worried.

"But we can't let anyone see us." Andrew was nervous about this. He had had a very sheltered life, so he was very overwhelmed by everything that he was seeing. What troubled him the most was the fact that he wouldn't fit in at all and people would be sure to notice them.

"I don't think we have a choice. We can stick to the back streets but people will still see us." Oscar replied.

As much as they didn't want people to see them, it was a risk that they had to make in order to find Elizabeth.

"Where do you think that she is?" James asked, looking around. They still hadn't begun walking.

"I have no idea," Oscar countered.

"Surely we need a plan?" James suggested.

"No. We always make plans and they always go wrong!" Oscar said. It was true, they had planned to find Elizabeth in Grea and that hadn't worked. They had planned to find her during the search and that also hadn't worked.

"Okay then. Let's go."

One by one they came out of their hiding spot. Oscar was first, closely followed by Andrew. James was trailing behind them.

They started walking up the street. They were constantly on the lookout, and none of them failed to notice the curious glances sent their way.

James clutched his arms to himself to try and stop the shivers. Sure, the air was cold. But it that wasn't why he was shivering. There was just something slightly wrong about the place. Everything just didn't seem right.

"Where do you think they are hiding her?" James whispered to Oscar.

"I have no idea."

They continued walking, but nothing seemed unusual. Well actually, to James a lot of it seemed unusual. Just nothing seemed to be linked to Elle.

A little boy approached Andrew.

"Please sir!" he began. "We're starving. Can't you spare a penny?"

Andrew looked down at the little grubby hand clutching his coat. He followed the arm up to see a boy around aged 8. He had knotted hair and dirt smeared across his face. His eyes were desperate.

"If I give you something I need you to give me some information. Is that okay?" Andrew asked.

"Yes sir, anything!" The little boy replied, a hopeful look on his face.

Andrew got down to the boys height and began to whisper. "I need you to tell me about a man called Zelroth."

Zelroth was the only name that they had that could be linked to Elizabeth. Mr Winters had mentioned him.

A dark cloud automatically covered the boy's face.

"He ain't a friendly one," the boy said with wide eyes.

"Can you tell me where he might be?" Andrew asked.

The boy shook his head, but grabbed Andrew's arm tightly. He began to pull Andrew away.

"You might want to follow me." Was all the boy said.

The three men shared confused looks. Where could he be taking them?

After a couple minutes of walking, they approached a door to a small house. The boy knocked loudly.

Slowly, the door began to open. A young girl looking to be around eleven poked her head out.

"Oh, good. Ma was beginning to worry about you!" she said to the boy.

She then opened the door wide enough for him to fit through. The boy gestured for them to follow.

The room was small, but contained their living space and kitchen in one. A large family were spread out across the room.

"Ah, Matthew!" A lady said. She looked to be their mother. "What have I told you about staying out too late?"

"Sorry, ma!" the boy hung his head.

The woman's attention then went to the three men.

"Who are they?" she asked, stepping forward slightly.

"They asked me about Zelroth!" he replied.

"Oh, I see." She then turned back to the men. "You better come in and sit down then."

They walked in and the girl who had opened the door brought in three old wooden chairs for them to sit on. Andrew smiled at her sadly. She reminded him of Sophia, and that alone made Andrew sad. He couldn't imagine his own sister having to live in such poor conditions

"Why do you wat to know about Zelroth?" The woman asked, studying them with narrowed eyes. "You aren't working for him, are you?"

"No, of course not!" Andrew replied. The women let her guard down slightly.

"Then what do you want?" she asked.

"We need to know about where he might be. We think he has some information that we need." Oscar replied.

"Is this about the girl?" she asked. The three men immediately looked up at her with hope in their eyes.

"What girl?" Andrew slowly asked.

"He brought her in earlier. Couldn't be more than sixteen. Mighty pretty she was!"

"Yes, that is who we are here about." Andrew replied, his face covered in longing.

"Well, I fear for her. Zelroth and the rest of the men are bad news." The woman shivered.

"Do you know where we can find her?" Oscar asked.

"Well of course I do. One of the boys can show you in the morning."

"We really need to go as soon as we can. Is there any chance we can go tonight?" Oscar pushed.

"Okay. But what do you plan on doing?"

"We plan on rescuing her."

"I know someone who can help you." She said, before calling two boys and telling them what to do. The three men put on their coats and stood by the door.

"You might want to wear something else," the woman said to Andrew. At Andrews confused glance she continued with a smile. "People won't do well to see royalty walking around here."

"I think a change is due around here. People can do what they like. Besides, it's dark so they won't see." He replied, smiling back at her. "We won't forget what you've done for us."

A/N- I managed to get it written in time! I think I definitely deserve a vote for that... ;)

Thanks! Xx