Barry crawled along the cobblestones in the stables for what seemed like an eternity. Stopping each time Busk's Dragon paused to catch his breath, he was terrified that the possessed gelding would surely sense him.
He collapsed in relief after he reached the relative safety of the outdoors. He caught his breath, then sat up. "It's almost dawn. I had best get back to the car, unless I want to spend another day here... I have to report what I know. It could be even more important than Henry... And if the kid has sense, he won't come anywhere near this house of horrors!" he thought to himself.
The mere thought of entering the presence of that monster again made his blood run cold. "Whatever that thing is, it had my teeth rattling!" he admitted to himself reluctantly. That decided it. As a master spy, he knew that once the enemy saw through your facade, you were done. And this... Creature... It possessed the same ability as a horse to smell fear. It would know that he knew it wasn't a normal horse.
Barry sighed, and stood up. If he by chance bumped into a stable hand coming in a little early, it wouldn't do to be lying around, or worse yet hiding. That would only serve to get him tackled, and if overpowered, dragged before Selene.
He strode confidently down the path, as if he belonged there. A whimpering in the lush array of flowers lining the path caught his attention. He peered down, and saw a little girl, perhaps four years old. She was trying unsuccessfully to hide in a large clump of tulips.
"What are you doing out here, little one?" he whispered. He was rewarded by the fearful child turning away, and covering her face as if she may begin sobbing, or perhaps run away.
"Shhhh! I'm not going to hurt you!" he soothed, gently scooping her up. She immediately cuddled into his arms, and he began to walk. Unconsciously he was leaving the estate.
"What are you doing out here?" he tried again.
This time, she answered. "I got scared. Mommy is acting scary. Her voice is different, and her eyes are red instead of pretty blue."
"Alright, I'll take you somewhere safe." Barry replied, suddenly feeling protective of this innocent child.
"Thank you... First can we go get my little brother? He was too heavy for me, and he can't walk yet." she begged, as she began to sob silently into his chest.
Barry stopped. Every fiber of his being screamed to get out of there. But could he live with himself if he abandoned an infant to a fate worse than death? And what would the guilt of escaping alone do to his sister? "Where is he?" he asked, sighing.
"In my house. It's not far. Put me down and I'll show you." she replied, sniffling.
"This is the most stupid thing I've ever done. And I've done some doozies in my lifetime!" he thought, as he allowed himself to be led back. Had he not been busy looking in every direction except down, he might have noticed that the little girl who held his hand was smiling. And she had blood red eyes, which glowed like coals.
Back in the main house of the Fruit Baron
"Mistress? The messenger smelled a human watching in the stables. Probably some stable hand who fell asleep on the job - he was in a pile of hay. Once the lazy idiot gathered enough courage to crawl out, Miggov told Dionor about him. I was wondering if I could perhaps have a little fun with him? After I send the message, of course."
"Very well, Sheila. But don't interrupt Dionor unless she invites you. Wait for your turn."
"Yes, Mistress. I prefer leftovers anyway." Sheila replied, an evil grin lighting her face.
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