Nerves

My stomach was a mess last night. After the scare at work, and the effects of that on my stomach, we had burritos for dinner, and anybody who knows me knows that chili can mess me up sometimes. Last night the chili was very hot too.

Another side effect of what happened yesterday was that I was just not in the mindset to write, which mainly means that I am not as far ahead in the story as I had been. Yes, I had been writing ahead so that if I hit a writers block I would have some days to catch the story again before making the readers wait. Not that this is actually a concern to todays post.

Anyway, I've rambled enough for right now. So here is the next part of the story.

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12

Jack was pleased with his work on Julius. He would only be happier if he could have really killed him. He wished that he could intimidate that girl as well, but that would mean forfeiture of the fight, and he would much rather kill her than intimidate her.

He looked at a figure lying on the floor. An elf had traveled into the cave in search of mushrooms. For now he was unconscious, but when he woke up again he would wish that he was dead.

Jack walked into another chamber in search of spiders, venomous spiders. If he collected enough he would have a nice show later. Elves were resistant to spider venom, but it was extremely painful to them.

Jack intended to keep his toy for as long as it would live. He didn’t know how long he would have to wait before he could get another one. It also wouldn’t be safe to acquire another toy too soon. The other side might get suspicious if too many innocents disappeared.

He heard a slight groan from the rear chamber. Good, he thought, just in time. Moving back toward his captive, he started to force his way into the elf’s mind. He would have ever so much more fun if he could find out the greatest fear of the young elf; the spiders would just have to wait for a while.

Though young, the elf had been well trained. He was resisting quite well Jack’s initial attempts to invade his mind. Unfortunately for the elf, Jack was just beginning to pry.

The sounds of the elf’s screaming soon filled the cavern.

Soon Jack had the information that he wanted, but was also disappointed in the elf’s inability to keep conscious. But, he did know that spiders were the right way to go, and he didn’t even have to be picky about them anymore.

Back on the hunt for spiders, Jack thought about what else he would do to his toy.

***

Malchevio heard the screams of the elf before he even entered the cavern. Jack would be in a good mood; hopefully that mood would remain good after he had delivered the message. And, if it didn’t, at least Jack had somebody else to take it out on.

The screaming of the elf stopped. Malchevio stopped in response; Jack would no longer be in a good mood if his plaything died. Cruel laughter emanating from the cavern eased Malchevio’s concerns.

He came upon Jack staring at the wall.

“What are you doing?”

“Catching spiders.”

“Elf, huh?”

“Scared of spiders, too”

“Double fun.”

Jack looked at Malchevio, he was playing up the torture of the elf. He had bad news. “Spit it out, rat. If you have bad news let me hear it, then leave so that I can continue my fun.”

“We still don’t know how long until our forces are prepared. It’ll be at least another two weeks.”

“Tell me again why I must wait for the readiness of others.”

“The other side needs her, and they will do everything to defend her. If you attack and are forces aren’t ready to counter the forces that they will send to protect her, they will wipe you out. Even you can’t withstand an army and her.”

Jack was silent, no matter how he hated to admit it, Malchevio was right. She wouldn’t be a problem, but she was powerful. If he had to fight a small army at the same time his chances of winning decreased dramatically.

“She wouldn’t be nice enough to attack me, would she?”

“Afraid not, Jack. Julius is training her, he is going to take every second that we give him to get her in the best condition that he can. He wouldn’t let her attack you.”

“Damn that vamp.”

“Isn’t he already?”

“You humans and your myths… Leave me now.”

Malchevio walked out of the cavern, much relieved.

“Malchevio.”

He stopped, and turned back toward back toward the cavern.

“If I have to be here for as long as you think, you better bring me some better food. And make sure you bring some amusements as well.”

Malchevio was nearly shaking with relief. The elf must be better amusement that he had initially thought, Jack had nearly been pleasant.