Nanowrimo 2021 Day 8 - Word Count and Favorite Bit (Patreon)

Today I added 1699 words to Seek the Oasis, bringing the total word count to 14,261!

Setting her spear to the side, she wrapped both hands around the bars. She braced herself and pulled, muscles straining and joints popping as she exerted all her strength upon the metal bars. Nothing. No movement at all.

“Of course, they’re not gonna move just with you pullin’ em! Bloody elf!” one of the dwarves hissed. “They’re magic! You gotta move ‘em with magic!”

Aysel knew she should have figured as much, but she didn’t know anything about magic! She barely understood how to use her own magic – the eyes in the oasis hadn’t exactly been forthcoming with instructions –and now she was faced with something that was clearly far more advanced.

“Or you could just kill the witch that cast the spell,” another dwarf offered, clearly trying to be more helpful than her companions. “That usually works.”

Before Aysel could even begin to consider that option, a voice called out from further into the cave. “Now, now. What could my esteemed guests possibly be fussing about?”

Aysel stepped away from the cages, grabbing her spear once more while holding her shield out in front of her. She saw a hand first as it wrapped around the curve of the cave wall. It was pale, almost glowing in the light from the runes on the metal bars. Long, finely manicured nails scratched at the stone, the sound grating to Aysel’s ears. Dark hair fell in one long, smooth curtain around the witch’s thin figure, luminescent green eyes peering out from behind long bangs. The witch was dressed in rich fineries, velvets and silks draping off her body like petals on a flower.

Her eyes darted from Aysel to Kinri behind her, a smile tugging at painted lips. “Well, well,” the witch said, voice dripping with venomous honey. “It seems someone has found my guest rooms. And who do I have the pleasure of hosting this fine day?”

“I have no pleasantries for you,” Aysel said plainly, clenching her fists to keep her hands from trembling.

The witch’s smile widened, apparently amused. “Oh? And what am I not afforded basic respect? Did your mother not teach you any? And here I thought the Sa’a were finally civilized.”

Aysel refused to take the bait. “I can offer no respect to a woman who beats creatures for wanting to be named.”

The witch’s grin widened into something grotesque, the skin of her cheeks drawing thin over her bones. “I see! So, you’re the little charlatan who filled my pets’ heads with such nonsense. Don’t you know, child? Names are only for actual people!”

That time. That time Aysel took the bait.