The Unknown Realm #4 (Waverly Stump and The 7 Realms)

XLI

There was the one particular incident with an electric eel that led to Waverly eventually being driven up the wall.

On that day, she had strolled into the larger part of town where roads were pleasantly even; covered in soft grasses and often meeting in gores. There, the presence of an impossibly large smithery made the ground shake at intervals. The Grand Ale carved out long, neverending roads that led into neighboring villages and small counties as well as a marchland some hundred miles to the East. It was a pleasant thought to Waverly that one did not always have to travel by ship in Bremeton to get to other locations.

She walked by a stooping hut where an elderly apothecary held residence and caught sight of a squealing group of girls and a few boys. About thirty yards from the hut was the smallest pond she had ever seen. Instead of the structure being round as normal ponds were, it was oblong, and that was the sole reason she had felt drawn to take a look at it.

As she approached, she recognized a few faces amongst the squealing group; two of which were Astraline Cockcroft, and her mute younger brother, Alasdair.

"There's something in the water." Astraline offered even before Waverly could ask. Her face was twisted in disgust.

"A fish?" Waverly guessed.

A little hum came from the Half-Elf. "I do not truly believe so. The water is murky and so we cannot see it, but you can tell it is swimming around."

"Why, leave it alone then." chuckled Waverly.

Just then, the unclear water rippled swiftly, causing the spectators around it to jump back with loud shrieks of shock and intense excitement.

"We cannot, don't you see?!" A boy piped, his voice rich with enthusiasm.

"Liberty's lost a shoe in the pond." Exclaimed another enthusiast.

Waverly frowned, recalling the name. She turned to Astraline. "Liberty?"

"Yes. Dorice's pony. Her shoe fell in." Astraline explained. Her sleek black hair was braided down her back, and her sallow skin was like her brother's. It reminded Waverly of Diarmaid and Dermot's.

"How come?" Waverly inquired, bepuzzled.

"Liberty likes to kick whenever she's upset." The first boy cheerfully elaborated. "She was being led down from the stables and something obviously upset her before she kicked her shoe right into the pond."

"So, am I right in believing that one of you has an aim to retrieve the missing shoe?"

Astraline scoffed quietly. "They all tried; used sticks and poles, a fishing hook and a broken lantern post, but none of it worked. Dorice got really upset and ran home weeping. Now, they have made good sport out of the fact that Liberty's shoe is down there waiting to be either worn or eaten by whatever is in the pond."

Waverly glanced at the murky water. It looked to be quite shallow, about as deep as an arm could go. Her nose scrunched up and she took several retreating steps. There was an oozing smell that hung about the water and made her nauseous. She reasoned that the creature inside the pond was foul and hated to be disturbed. Besides, a missing horseshoe was not her problem.

"Good luck!" She half retched and turned to leave.

Just then, Dorice appeared on the road, wiping at her eyes and half running. Behind her were familiar faces; Penelope and her adorable dog, Tooth, and Theophilia. They rushed to the pond scene, oblivious to Waverly's presence.

"Well, did you get it out?" Dorice asked Astraline.

A serious frown formed on the latter's face. "I do not recall owing you any favors. It was your pony, Dorice."