Page 14 of Charmed

“Your cave? I get the feeling that the cave belongs to the gnomes and not you. I think you were there stealing from them,” said Stone. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

“Of course, you’re wrong!” This accusation seemed to anger the little man even more. “And if I say the treasure is mine, then it’s mine. Now hand it over. It doesn’t belong to you.” Stone wasn’t sure that the elf wasn’t going to start steaming from the ears or stamping his foot next.

“Nope. Can’t do that.” Stone quickly put the rock back in his pouch. Then he reached out with an open palm just like the elf had done to him. “But you can hand over my king’s wealth. Now, give it to me, and be on your way.”

“I’ll do no such thing.” The elf hugged the bag to his chest. “You two need to go back through the portal and get out of Mura before it’s too late. You don’t belong here. Now leave!”

Fang growled and showed his teeth.

“And take that mangy mutt with you.” The elf turned to go, but Stone didn’t want him to leave yet. After all, they were in a strange land with a million unanswered questions. They needed Elric to tell them what they wanted to know and also to guide them. Hopefully, the elf would even know where to find Rancor Ruse.

“Please, wait,” said Stone. “I’m looking for a man. A thief named Rancor Ruse. I want to know if you’ve seen him.”

“The only thief I see is you!” With that, the elf dashed away, moving so fast that it was only a second before they could no longer see him.

“Well, how do you like that?” asked Aithrod. “And what do we do now? I’m tired and hungry and thirsty and need to pee.”

“There must be other people around here somewhere,” said Stone, looking around but not seeing a soul. “I suggest we start walking and try to head for the nearest village or town.” He ran a hand over the dog’s head. “Fang can lead the way. Plus, I will use my tracking skills to find whoever passed through here lately.”

“All right,” agreed Aithrod, brushing dirt from his clothes. “And let’s just hope we capture Rancor and find a way back through the portal before that irritating little elf returns.”