The Changeling

Ch.2

sTAYING hERE

The pinch of fingers around Hollis’ arm became a persistent anchor as his mind pondered what the term “Sorted Out” could mean. He felt pretty sure it could mean death or it could mean having a bit of conversation. He could handle conversation but if Brute 1 and Brute 2 were any indication of how that conversation would go… he was pretty sure he was doomed.

Hollis looked around him and gawked at the latent beauty surrounding him, his glasses were now fractured but he could still see the pristine walls of black onyx, the floors reflected the perfect silhouette of each of them as they lumbered down the hall. Brute 1 was yanking Hollis like a porcelain doll, careful and forceful. Brute 2 was leering at Hollis with a perceivable gulp he went back to admiring his surroundings. Echos of their footfalls were the only sounds in the corridor, pillars of what looked like glass towered above them on either side of the hallway, and the most peculiar blue auras danced around them as if they were lost inside an Aurora Borealis.

The only light was from candelabras on either side of the door they had come through. How was this possible? How could there be Aurora Borealis in the center of this hallway? If he weren’t so terrified he would be overcome with wonder.

Jerked out of his internal reverie Hollis was pushed none too lightly to his knees, struggling to look up he could see Brute 1 kneeling behind a mirror-like curtain and could only make out his lips as they moved but could not hear what he was saying. Hollis could feel Brute 2’s breath on his ear, but he couldn’t bring himself to care all of his attention was rapt on what he thought was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. Before him was a sheer mirror-like curtain and behind that he could make out what looked to be a large throne made of pure gold, and aloft that immaculate throne sat a woman with skin the color of glowing magma, with eyes as blue as the heart of the ocean and the most symmetrical almost harsh features he’d ever seen. She was adorned in a dress woven from what had to be the most luminous silk he’d ever seen, curves of blue and silver fit her like a second skin.

Hollis forgot to breathe quite literally until Brute 2, concerned about his charge’s well-being began to shake Hollis like a rattle. Hollis composed himself and could feel his cheeks heat with a solar flare. Eyes focused before him on the reflective onyx surface he tried to remember his father’s cup, sitting alone next to a dank cell. He tried to remember the two brutes who caused him a split lip and a probable four years of therapy. It was no use, however, because all he could focus on was the hope that he would be able to speak to her, no matter the consequences.

Hollis looked up as Brute 1 turned towards him, “Bring the Halfling” he clipped. Brute 2 obliged and we proceeded towards the sheer mirror. Brute 1 swathed the mirror-like curtain aside as Brute 2 pushed Hollis to his feet before the breathtaking being.

He could feel the iron-hot burn of both of his cheeks, gulping he lifted his gaze and met her eyes. For what felt like eternity they stared at each other before her gaze flicked up, both Brutes standing at rigid attention. An iron “Leave Us” echoed throughout the room. Brute 1 and 2 glanced at each other and then at Hollis, hesitantly Brute 1 protested “But my Queen, he could harm you.” A delicate eyebrow rose and she quipped “You know as well as I, he poses no threat. Leave us.”

Both Brutes looking slightly scandalized sent a final glare in Hollis’ direction before skulking away. Hollis still in a kneeling position felt both vulnerable and comforted all at once. This was a very confusing place. He should have looked away but he couldn’t bring himself to. The Queen glanced back to him after the click of a door reverberated in the hallway. In a low voice, she stated, “You may stand.” Hollis stood ignoring the twinge in his knees as he did so. He was taller than her by at least a foot he realized, he stepped back as if to reassure her. She chuckled, “What is your name, Halfling?” he heard himself whisper “Hollis.”

The Queen smiled, “And do you know why you’re here Hollis?”

Hollis shook his head in answer.

The Queen sighed and stated “I am the high Queen, the ruler of all Fae in this realm. You are a Halfling. Halflings belong to me and my court. I want to know how you have managed to evade my guards up until now.”

To this, Hollis could only stare, and blink.

Once.

Three times.

“I have no idea about what a Halfling is and I have been evading no one, I pay all my bills on time, thank you very much.”

He stood a little taller as if to assure her he knew what he was talking about.

He was certain in fact that he did not know what he was talking about.

The Queen seemed irritated as her fingers twitched ever so slightly against the arm of her throne. Her blue eyes glowed as if there was a sun behind them.

She spoke again “I need to know who your sire was, if you do not tell me, I have ways of finding out.”

Hollis balked, “Like torture?”

She only smiled.

Slightly excited and terrified at the prospect Hollis stated, “My father was Richard Masters. He died a few months ago.” He hadn’t gotten used to saying that sentence yet, eyes misting, he rushed out, “I never knew my Mother.”

She seemed to consider this as if considering what to order on a menu.

Finally, she followed with “I see, well Hollis I can not simply let you leave. You will remain here at the palace until I can find your sire.”

Hollis groped for something to say other than “I certainly will not!”

All he could come up with was “I have exams this week.”

She quirked a brow, eyes full of mirth “Hmmm…”

Why did he ever speak?