[Captain Ash]

Hello everyone,

I have decided to rewrite my stories and put some more details in it,
especially in working out more the charakters.
Besides, I want to change the story of the further chapters a bit.

So instead of editing the old chapters, I will post the new ones right here,
I think that makes it easier to read.
Please give me your opinions about these chapters and if you might find any mistakes.

Enjoy reading
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CHAPTER 1: The Spellbound Disguise

Far away in a castle, a maid was self-pitying her fate while she scrubbed the floor that could be heard everywhere in the hall.
Well … maid is maybe not the right word; the most suitable word fitting for this involuntarily sweating would be slave.
She had to do this unworthy service since an evil witch conquered this realm and forced this poor village-girl to work for her.
Day for day she has to clean, wash, preparing dinner and doing everything here, making the hands draggle and soil.
She hated this place! If she could, she would leave this damn castle.
However, to her misfortune the castle lies between insurmountable mountains and additional to the fact that it was icy cold outside.
The maid looked at her bare feet; she wouldn’t even made two steps before they were frozen to ice-cubes - and at least it was warm inside.
Why have I to do this all by myself, she wondered.
Besides herself, the maid was the only servant in this castle.
The empress, as the evil sorceress liked to call herself, seems to have fun watching her working to exhaustion.
One day, she thought, one day I will leave this place or at least make this evil witch sorry for all this.
But in her mind she knows it was just wishful thinking.

While pitying herself, she notices a shadow, but not the one of the sorceress as she looked closer; it had the shape of a little child.
When she turned around, she really saw a girl in front of her.
The girl had untidy short bright-brown hair and half-dark eyes and was wearing a filthy rag and shabby sandals. She had to be eight or nine years old.

>> Who are you, girl? << asked the maid amazed, while she stood up from the floor.
>> Huh! You mean me? << responded the girl surprised, obvious the maid caught her at sneaking.
>> Don’t make a fool of me, you lil’ brat! Or do you see here another girl? << shouted the maid.
>> If so … uhmm, << thought the girl loudly, >> I’m the new maid. <<
>> So, you are the new maid! << says the maid sceptically.
>> Yes, the empress took me in duty today. <<
>> Don’t lie! << answered back the maid angrily and putting her hands demandingly on her waist, >> as I have told you before: don’t even think to tell some stupid made-up stories! If the mistress has taken a new maid, she would have told me. <<
>> But I’m really new here. << the girl insisted.
What a disaster, the maid thought, it was unusual for her mistress to send her this little girl without notice, since she begged for so many times for another person, helping her for cleaning.
But what to do? If she were letting a strange girl running through the castle, her mistress would become angry and then she would obviously be punished.
On the other hand, if the girl is telling the truth then she felt sorry for her, staying the rest of her miserable life in this place.
However, using common sense, how did a girl manage it to cross the long and icy mountains just to enter the castle unnoticed?
>> Very well, << said the maid, >> you can help me until the mistress clear up the situation. <<

Suddenly the girl began to giggle.
>> What’s so funny? << asked the maid.
>> Don’t you recognise me? << spoke the girl, while the maid still looked puzzled. >> It’s me, you stupid slut, your mistress! <<
>> You … << stutter the maid.
She couldn’t believe that this pertly girl was the evil sorceress and took shocked her hands of her waist.
>> Sure it’s me! << jeered the girl with an arrogant self-confidence, such like the empress was used to do it.
The maid was as stiff as an avalanche has fallen over her.
Before she could say a word, her mistress said: >> You see, I have changed myself into a child! <<
>> But why is my mistress turning back into a girl? << asked the maid, still in astonishment.
>> Of course you can’t know that. << responded the girl with an arrogant bored look. >> Afraid of being attacked the foolish King and his dim-witted noblemen thought they could send a handful of their merely brave men through my realm and depose me, in hope to avoid to be overrun by my Orc-hordes.
Desperate as they are, they beg this non-for-good dark sorceress Azura for feeling my aura and leading them to me! Maybe she thinks she could beat me with the help of those noble jerks. <<
>> How do you know that? << wondered the maid.
The sorceress giggled again. >> It is just simple as easy! I have my eavesdropper here and there and everywhere, lending me their ears and eyes for a not unattractive reward. <<

The maid nodded her head to make a clever impression, trying to show that she could follow her mistress words.
>> So you see, << her mistress continued, >> my Orcs are reliable to devastate whole kingdoms, but they are stupid like weed to find anyone even if their lives would depend on it. Especially under the protection of the huge woods, where hardly someone could be scouted in such a large area. <<
>> And what’s the deal being a girl again? <<
>> As you can imagine, I have to put things on my own hands. This sloppy sorceress gains her power from a magical artefact: an enchanted necklace.
If I get this necklace on my hands, my power would even increase.
Besides, to avoid that she feel my magical aura before I get that artefact, I will go as a girl.
Without the artefact, this Azura is not only useless; they can search for eternity till they have found my castle. <<
>> That sounds plain but isn’t running being a girl not too dangerous? <<
>> Yes, there is a risk, << replied the girl, >> but if even you couldn’t recognize me in this form, as you have just proven now, nobody will. So I can do sneaking around freely. <<
“Sneaking around”? What was that supposed to mean? the maid was wondering. She had some kind of presumption that there was some kind of venture in this undertaking; running in such a ridiculous fashion wasn’t her mistress suit.
Anyway, what does she meant with clearing her magical aura, does it mean …
>> Will you have any magic power left, if you are a girl? << the maid asked carefully.
>> What do you think why I have turned into one! I won’t have any witchery left. <<
>> Does it mean that you are nothing but an ordinary girl right now? << continued the maid, pretending of being curious.
>> Otherwise I couldn’t get rid of my dark aura; children aren’t gifted with magic. << explained the girl.
>> Oh my Dear! Does it mean you have to be grown up as an adult again? << wondered the maid.
>> Do you think I am that stupid? Of course I have taking precautions for that and brew an antidote for turning me back to normal. <<

A thought went through the maids mind. Maybe this was her chance to overwhelming her tormentress, as long as she was helpless like a pesky girl.
>> By any chance, you don’t have the antidote with you at the moment, don’t you? << the maid sounds out hopefully.
The empress didn’t answer. As her maid began to grin, she became pale; it seems she told her more than she should have.
>> I am getting bored being stuck in this body. I will turn back to an adult while… you can make yourself useful and finish brushing the floor! Go! <<

>> Well little lady, the hell I will do anything to you! << treated the maid and took again her hands menacing on her waist.
>> What! You disobey me. I am your mistress, you unthankful lazy chunk. << her imperious young voice just sounded unsure and ridiculous.
>> Not anymore you naughty little girl. I mean, you said yourself that you don’t have any witchery left. << defied the maid and walked toward the helpless girl. >> I think your time for pushing me around is over. <<
>> No! << shouted the girl and tried to run away, but it was too late.
The maid grabbed her arm.
>> Now I pay you everything back, what you have done to me! << threatened she.
>> Don’t do anything that will make you feel sorry. <<
>>Its not me you should worry about, but it is you whom you should think about because I’ll make you to my maid.
>> You can’t do that to me. I don’t want to become my servant’s servant! <<
>> Don’t worry about it, you will become a fine maid, after I have taught you obeying orders and I think I will start right now! <<
>> That’s not fair! << the anxious girl cried.
>> Not fair? << the maid said, holding her little weak wrist and pulling her nearer, while her former mistress still tried to get free. >> I had to work hard in a castle for an arrogant selfish slob, since I was 12-year old whose village was destroyed by her. Now it is just fair to return the favour and it is your turn this time to make your hands dirty. <<
The girl looked scared, then she shouted: >> NIAGA TLUDA NA OT EM NRUT, MA I ELTTIL! << (*try to read the spell backward)

Then the girl’s arm started getting bigger, also her whole body began to grow and with it size. In fact she didn’t grow, she aged. When she reaches about her preteen twelfth age, her rag started to rip at her breast and hip sides.
Soon the girl was even taller than her maid after reaching her adult twenties.
Also the mistress hair began to become longer and darker and her steadily swelling breasts were now at eye level.
On her origin thirty-five she stopped.
This whole process needed not more than a few moments.

In front of the surprised maid, there was her naked mistress whose rag was totally ripped of from her body.
The mistress lush breasts were hanging in front of her nose.
>> So, << the ice-cold voice of the mistress resounds. >> What did you want to do with me? <<
Displeased she looked down to her maid.
>> I … I am sorry, my mistress. I didn’t mean it. << begged the maid.
>> Of course, << responded the dark queen unforgiving, << though I tricked you a little. I wasn’t really a girl; I merely changed my body so I still had my power. However, to teach you a lesson, you disloyal snipe, I will turn yourself into a little brat. <<
The sorceress made a wink with her hand and with some twinkle sparks she held a flask on her hand.
>> Drink it! << she commanded.
>> Please, I don’t wannabe a child. <<
>> But you seem to like girls, so why not be one yourself? <<
The maid’s eyes were showing desperately a glace of hesitation and took slowly a step back.
>> Do it! Or I will turn you into a mouse, and for this spell I won’t need a magic potion. <<
>> Everything but not that, << she gasped, came forth again and drank the flask empty.
Just like a good girl, thought the empress.
Then the maids took a face of pain, she held with her arms her body and kneeled to the ground.
In front her eyes the maid becomes smaller. Her clothes expanding and her sleeves were bigger than her arms.
With pleasure the sorceress looked to her maid.
How old was she again? she thought, Seventeen maybe? ... who cares - however, she was turning to a child again. The magic stopped when the girl became almost six years old.
The mistress smiles when her younger maid bonnet became too big and covered her eyes. The maid lifted it and looked up to her with her young big wide-eyed eyes.
Satisfied the mistress looked down to her slave who tried to rebel her.
>> Am I not very generous? << said the sorceress self-praised. >> I have granted your youth again, though your treacherous behaviour. However, to not letting you think I have rewarded you, I will give you your real punishment <<
The maid worried the worse, clutched her legs and kissed her feet to appease her mistress from punishment, but she knew it was useless.
>> Looking cute doesn’t mean to neglect your work. << the sorceress told her with a sarcasm voice. >> Clean the floor before I am leaving or I will punish you adequate far more worse than you have deserved it, little girl! <<
>> Will you turn me into an adult again, please? << sob her maid.
>> Well … we shall see. << then she went to leave the room.

The dark queen was pleased for having someone whom she could try out her youth mixture.
Before she left the hall, she took a look back to her maid. It was fun seeing her turning up her sleeves and brushing the floor without stumble over her overlarge clothes.
But for now the sorceress had to do more important matters than playing around with her maid. She had to prepare her plan on getting that necklace.

CHAPTER 2: Amusement Before Departure

That was quite amusing, enjoyed the sorceress when she recalled the current event. If her maid had thought that she was clever, so she had learned by now to be wise enough not trying such a pathetic act again.

Playtime is over; drove it suddenly into her mind. Becoming really a powerless child gave her a cold chill, not sure if this venture would be fun at all.
The sorceress slipped in something warmer. Walking naked was nice but she had to do preparations as long as the hero party didn’t went off.
She sat on her with fur covered armchair, nestled her legs together for she liked the touch of her lithesome skin and started to masturbate her intimate zone.
This was something that she was used to when she wanted to relax; especially when she had to think and to ease her mind.
About this habit knew not even her maid and did it only if she was sure to be alone.
While pleasure flows through her body, her mind roused why she should bother being a girl again: small – weak – powerless and so … (thanks to the pleasure she couldn’t figure out the word in her head)
Sure, she had a lot of spies who could do the job for her, but she couldn’t imagine that any of them would come near enough without being suspicious, though her enemies would be very cautious due to their mission.

Even if her henchmen would succeed in getting this arcane artefact, she didn’t trust them.
Those items are rarity and many mortals would rather keep it themselves in order to increase their powers, though even with the amulet they wouldn’t be a match for her.
Sending her maid wouldn’t also be an option; she would take her chance of escape for sure. Hoping for safety her maid might even tell everything to her foes who were then aware of her plans.
No! The only person she could count on such a very task was herself.
In truth, even mistrusting everyone in her service, the sorceress was bored and was keen of an adventure for some excitement, and what is more promising than running right under her villains nose without knowing it was her.

But is turning to a little child really such a good idea, she wondered again?
The sorceress went through these thoughts many times.
Be a girl again isn’t that comfortable but it was a necessary ill to lose her dark aura without being spotted by Azura.

The heat of pleasure spread out in her body while she pulls up her on of her legs to fell the soft fur between her toes.
A strange thought to be concerned of to be young again, the sorceress thought, as if she didn’t know how it would like be a one.
Of course she was once a girl and couldn’t remind any harm to her during this time.
She remembered that she was smart enough making mischief without being caught, nor anyone knows that it was even her.
For some pranks people thought the culprits behind these troubles were the doings of some kobolds or ghosts.
Better now she also had the experience of a woman that would make her double clever and things half troublesome.
She sacrificed a lot by losing her power temporarily, but it is the price worth of becoming mightier afterward.
Even when she is handicapped with her lack of magic, no one is expected nor assume that she would be a girl or that one would try to steal the magical trinket. Although, as she thought about it, the heroes would not even consider a possible theft, because they are not even aware of the existence of the necklace, nor they weren’t interested in Azura arts of magic.
Her erection reached it highest point. She sat a few minutes, feeling her soft legs she loved so and after satisfied she turned back relaxed in her seat.
>> So there is nothing to be worried about. << she said to herself, still breathing from the excitement of her pleasure. >> There is no point that something could go wrong. <<

Next to her seat was small table with some of her belonging she took.
On her laps was a simple clothe-handbag, made for children and small enough to be covered under clothes. In this bag she kept the youth-potion, the antidote, her sandals and a rag; luckily she had a seconded one after her first was totally ripped in frazzles after turning back into an adult to escape her maid’s wrath.
Unintentional her little helper comes again in mind; the sorceress decided to see how she was doing, there was still a little time before she had to go.

As the maid saw that her mistress entered the hall, she ran quickly to her.
She seemed to get used in her overlarge clothe now.
Disappointing, as the empress watched her, I had thought she would running naked than stumbling over her own sleeves.
>> I have done everything as you ordered, << she said in a happily voice, as she looked up to the sorceress.
My maid seemed to be more pleased of her new body then a moment ago, the sorceress noticed. But she saw through her plan of pretending happy in order she would turn her back in her real age.
>> Very well, << answered the empress dry, >> I will then go, putting my plan into action. After that you can witness a new era. <<

The sorceress was ready to leave when her maid called after her: >> Could you turn me into an adult back? <<
>> Just now you seem to enjoy your regained youth. <<
>> Actually … not. << she whispered carefully, >> Well, you see, I cannot reach many high corners when I am so small and in these too long clothes I can barely move … so I thought … maybe … <<
About those stupid excuses the empress could only chuckle.
>> I think you will wait for your mature, at least until you have grown up again such like every little girl has to. <<
>> But … but, << she sniffed, >> if I c ... can’t do my duties, I … I will be punished. <<
>> That’s the plan. <<
The maid was trembling and her mistress looked into her afraid eyes.
Originally, she wanted to leave her like that a while longer, for any case until she returned back, but looking down her victim, she saws her eyes fighting back her tears.
What the heck, she thought; hearing a girl crying when she returning was the last thing she wanted. Anyway, I will be an adult again when I’m back, so there is no real need for such a measure.

>> Why not! << she groaned irritated, flipped her fingers and hold the antidote on her hand.
The handmaid stretched her hands out to grab the bottle.
>> Not so fast! << she holds her maid back. >> Don’t be so impatient. Kneel down! <<
The maid did as she was told.
The Sorceress lifted her garb. Her bare feet could be seen which were soaked with dust and the coldness of the floor.
Then she laid down one foot on the poor girl’s lips. First the maid turned her head, but then she considered the fact that she hadn’t another choice and tried to touch her feet to keep her balance.
>> Don’t touch my foot, or otherwise I will change my mind. <<
Afraid the girl fold her arms behind her back.
The liquid was running down her immaculate legs through her foot and on her soft toe just to be licked longing by the girl.

As her mistress promised she grew. The maid could fell that her loose frock fitted her body. Though the sorceress cold dusk on her toe made her feel sick, she enjoyed putting her hands on her returning breast.
Soon she was on a point she was worry about that she couldn’t balanced her growing body and fell down. This didn’t stop the empress from nailing her down with her feet while she still was sucking her toe.
The last drops flowed faster so the maid was forces to drink everything in one shot including the dust she avoided to swallow.
This made her coughs heavily, holding her hand to her mouth.

>> I have awaited more gratefulness, letting you had a taste of my sweet precious feet, << claimed the sorceress, >> but what was to be expected by a merely peasant girl. <<
>> Thank you, my mistress. << the hopeful answer followed.
The maid still had this dusty taste on the tip of her tongue; at least she got her young adult body back.
Having so much fun in one day is almost a crime, thought the cruelly lady, maybe I will do it soon once again.
>> Now you have stole enough from my time. << said the mistress smugly, >> Make sure to carry out your duties while I’m gone. <<
>>Yes, my mistress, << were the last word she heard before she vanished in a flashy glow.

CHAPTER 3: The Attempted Approach

Somewhere in the woods a sudden light lit the area and the sorceress appeared. She teleported herself near the border.
It was sunset, but this place laid still in semidarkness. It was quiet and not even a tone of bird was being heard.
The sorceress looked around but nobody was to be seen, not even a small woodland creature. Probably even the beasts of the woods were still sleeping so early that morning.
Excellent, the sorceress thought, putting her bag on the ground and took the flask. She opened the cork and mounts the mouthpiece excitingly to her lips.
Then she holds the bottle with her both hands down and hesitated for a moment.

Right, she had first so shorten her hair, as a child they might become unhandy.
For that meaningless matter the sorceress had the right spell:
>> RAEW OT TNAW I TROHS EB ERAWEB RIAH GONL! <<
Willingly the hair bends to comply of the magic-spell and stopped till they reached the nape of the neck.
Much better, she said to herself in mind.

Finally she drank the magic mixture.
It tasted sweet. The viscous potion floats through her throat quickly.
A strange feeling sensation encompass her body, when all a sudden her hearts began to beat harder and faster. It almost bars her from breathing.
She pushed her hands on her chest where her heart laid; massaging her breast helped to relieve the pain a little.
Worse than that was when her body started to vibrate and then to tremble.
She didn’t feel well, but she neither could stand nor lie down.
The pain felt pleasant when she noticed that her body began to shrink. While the sorceress kneaded her breast, they become from moment to moment smaller. The garb slacked from her body that nestled her before and the morning coldness slunk into.
Now her breasts were completely flat while the trees continuously got bigger.
The pain was now unbearable, making her body so heavy she couldn’t even cry and nearly losing her consciousness.
In an instant moment the pain was gone. The mistress felt a bit dizzy; she had trouble to stand on her trembling legs but after a time she could stand save on the ground. Her heart was still a little excited like she was cured from a serious flue, but besides that she was fine.

The sorceress freed her hands from the long sleeves and the garb dropped down to the ground. From this moment on she was an ordinary girl. Being without her power the little girl felt strange. Everything seems bigger now and also she felt herself “insignificant”.
She starred her tiny hands.
>> I’m a girl, << the sorceress breathed in a weak high pitch voice, a voice which usually little children are used to have.
The renewed girl didn’t have a mirror, but she was sure that she became successfully an eight year old.
Next she unpacks first of all her bag without bothering about her current age and put on her rag and sandals. Her garb was too big for the bag and the girl looked for place to hide it.
Soon she found a hole in a tree. The girl had to stand on her toes to examine it precisely. She didn’t want that some kind of small animal already made his nest there and messed up with her belongings.
Luckily it was empty and stored the garb in the tree-hole.
For any case she also put the antidote in there; she didn’t want to risk losing or breaking the flask, so this place seemed for her a safe hiding-place.

Now the sorceress had nothing to do but to follow the path to “Yornick”, a small town where the party wanted to meet at the rendezvous-point.
Forenoon she arrived the idyllic town. Carriages went through the town gate in and out, transporting hay, vegetables and other goods.
The guards on the gate eyed up the little girl, but that was all what they did.
Obviously they didn’t escape attention of having a new face around, the sorceress thought, maybe I shouldn’t forget that my appearance is now that of a girl and behave due adults are expected to. Acting to remain silent and unnoticed would her only make suspicious.
>> Good day, sirs. << she said to the guards in an overjoyed voice.
The guard didn’t say anything, but were smiling now.
It seems that still no one can withstand my charm, the girl hopped happily when she crossed through the gates.

At last she was in the town, now she has just to find the party.
As far as she knew, the meeting place where the adventures wanted to gather was an inn; the town had three of them. Unfortunately she forgot to ask her intelligencer in which one they are going to meet.
But how difficult would it be to find three men and a woman, clothed black like dark sorceresses usually do, on a table.
The first tavern was just over the street, the “Great Pig in the Barrel”.

Who made up such stupid names, the sorceress though, but if it’s on my way I can have a peek inside.
On the roads the townsfolk were busy and when the girl wanted to cross the street, a passer-by pushed her aside the dusty road.
>> Hey! Watch out! << she shouted, but the man did not respond her, he seems to ignore her like she had never existed and disappeared in the crowd. Nobody helped or cared about when she lay on the ground.
This was one of the disadvantages of being small; the sorceress had to find out.
Her arm hurts a little from the bounce.
>> That was mean <<, she said and caught herself out talking like a girl.
With the body her mind seems to react like a child; but didn’t she spoke before she should behave like one?
I hope I find this necklace soon because I don’t like it being a girl any longer than necessary.

At least the girl managed to the tavern without getting on someone’s way.
She opened a hairbreadth the door and peeked through the opening. On the tables were only a few countrymen, talking and drinking their beer but not a sign of the four she was looking for.
Suddenly someone pushed her and the girl stumbled in and felt after a few steps.
The guests laughed. The girl get blushed and tried to get up quickly.
>> Sorry * hick *, I didn’t know that * hick * someone was there. << said the man who pushed her, he seemed already be drunken and reeled to one of the tables.
>> What are you doing here? << barked a voice from behind. The sorceress turned frightened and saw a fat man with an extraordinary big stomach who was obviously the inn-keeper. His appearance would explain why this place was called the “Great Pig in the Barrel”.
>> I am looking for someone. << the girl spoke too fast and squeaky; she was excited and didn’t get used of her younger voice yet. The crowd started to laugh again, even the fat inn-keeper who sounds like a damaged trumpet. His belly swung up and down like a barrel.
Again the girl became red in her face.
>> Who do you looking for exactly? << the inn-keeper asked as he calmed down.
>> I don’t know … three men and a woman, did you have seen any of them. << asked the girl, but this time she tired to sound more seriously.
The public couldn’t bear to grin. Maybe they had already drunk too much this morning, the girl thought annoyed.
>> Can you describe me you friends more closely? << asked the fat man.
>> No. << was the reply and again the guests laugh off.
>> So, you don’t know them, << he quipped, >> are your friends as funny as you? <<
>> Not so funny like you, piggy. <<
Ups, did I really said that, the little sorceress couldn’t believe it and was surprised about this sudden comment herself.
The inn-keeper looked now angry and took her arm. >> Your friends aren’t here and no one took a room for days. That’s all and now go! This isn’t a place for little brats.
He pulling her to the exit and exposed her to the door.
Behind she could still hear the roar of the guests, but this time she knows, that they were laughing about the inn-keeper.

Later the girl considered that perhaps it wasn’t wise to annoy the inn-keeper. The day was young and the party would come somewhere during the time.
Maybe they would go directly to this tavern that was quite near the town gate.
However, she doubted that the inn-keeper would allow her enter the inn again.
It couldn’t be helped, so she went to check the other inns.
But still, this event worried her a bit, because it wasn’t typical for her to behave so shy.
No, it was just the role I have played, she calmed herself, but she knew that there were some changes since she became a girl.
Hopefully I can find those party, were her thoughts, she unlike wanted to be going through this for nothing.

CHAPTER 4: Someone Else Girl

The girl was sitting on a bench. The next inn was near the market place but she had to rest. All the way from the woods to the town and now the several streets and side roads she was walking the entire time … and that was exactly the problem: walking! Usually she could teleport herself anywhere anytime in no time, but now her feet were hurting.
Into the bargain the sun was hot and above not even a single cloud was on the pale blue sky.

Summarising her progress, she has been pushed around, got a scratch on her arm by falling down several times today, got covered with dust thanks to the unpaved sandy roads and the most annoying thing, the dust even stuck beyond the woof on her rag which even tightened it by her own sweat.
Summed it all up that she neither had the necklace nor could found that damned heroes; the whole thing didn’t go well. The sorceress thought if it was worthy to bother herself all these troubles for nothing. Being trapped in a girl’s body made her just feeling foolish and somehow frightening.
There was something, but she couldn’t get it out of her mind.
She looked down her laps; the sweat- moistened dusk was like glued on her soft smooth skin.
At least her short legs still looked quite attractive … for a girl, was her opinion.
The burning sun and the heat made her thirsty and so the girl had the urge to get some drink from the fountain. When she reached the pool, there were some pictures chiselled on the wall, probably they were telling the tale of this fountain. The first one showed an image of an old man. At the second he discovered a sparkling fountain. Next from the picture portrayed that the old man was drinking from the water. In the last one he was walking happily his way as a young man. Under this picture story was engraved:

~ And yet, till today, it is said that this spring keep the heart still go younger ~

>> Oh, great! << she grumbled. >> A fountain of youth is the last thing I need. Couldn’t they make up a better story? <<
True or not, the sorceress was too thirsty to think about that stupid tale.
After satisfying her exigency thirst, she starred on her face that was mirrored by the water.
It was the first time she realize to be aware about her younger self.
Though she shortened her hairs till her neck, they reached the shoulders when she was shrunk down to a girl. The sweat made her bright-brown hair even darker and her whole appearance was sluttish. Her cute face looked tired, so she washed it with the refreshing water.
After she cooled down her hot face, she felt better and smiled down to her watery spitting image.
Now I’m cute again, she thought cheerfully –wait! Again she acted like a kiddie.
Enough of this waste of time, she demanded herself, the rest was quit relaxing but now I have to find those jerks.

When she headed to the market, she saw a boy hiding beyond a small statue that was standing close to a building. >> Shhhh! << the boy fizz.
>> Don’t tell him that I’m here. << he whispered.
The girl looked around and saw that there was another boy sneaking around. On a corner she saw other children, too.
As she could guess this, they were playing hide & seek.
That could be fun, the sorceress had in mind, but with just changing the rules of her taste.
>> Hey! Do you looking for someone. << she shouted tunefully to the chaser.
The boy nodded.
The little kill-joy pointed with her finger to the hiding boy.
Quickly the chaser ran behind the statue and called: >> Gotcha! <<
>> That was unfair, << the boy protested, >> if this girl hadn’t cheated, no one could find me. <<
>> Ahh! Don’t boast here so loudly, << the girl answered bored back, >> I have found you first after all. <<
>> Who allowed you to participate? << he asked disgruntled.
>> Simple! I allowed it myself, << the girl canted.
>> Awren! Go getting your father for dinner! << a women’ voice resounds.
>> Sorry! I must fetch my drunken dad from the inn. << the chaser boy said and went off.
>> Then I will also go my way, << the gleefully girl announced.
That was the kind of fun the small empress appreciated, walking down to the market happy about her joke.
Ruining the game was funny, she thought; being a girl doesn’t mean not to be evil.
That was her old self she liked and loved.
>> Girls are stupid! << the boy cried after her.

Soon she reached the first booths after a few turns.
As to be expected, the anyway thigh sidewalks were overcrowded. Busy people were rushing from one place to another while dealers praising their goods.
Luckily the inn was next the market on a broader road people could walk easily. I wondering what kind of silly name this tavern have, she wondered. "To the Golden Spoon" – not a very special one, the girl thought, but at least the name was not ridiculous. When she entered the inn, there were more people than the last one. The tavern had just a few windows; therefore it was dim inside.
The guests wore vesture and liveries from different lands far away, some of them had enriched embroidered coats. I think that is it, she hoped. Among all those merchants and wayfarers a party would easily remain unnoticed.
Before she could pass further into the crowd, a quit attractive waitress barred her way, holding a tablet with drinks on her left hand.
>> What have little girls lost in a place like this? << she asked.
>> I have business to do. << the girl replied.
>> Do you? That’s too bad, << the waitress said pitifully, >> but children are not allowed in here, so please leave this place. <<
>> I won’t need long; I am only looking for someone. <<
>> No excuses little girl, << the waitress packed with the free hand her arm and pulling her to the door, >> here is the exit. Come again if you have grown old enough. <<
>> But I have to look for my father, << the sorceress said, remembering back the boy to fetch his drunken dad, >> please, if I can’t find him he will waste all his money again. <<
The waitress seems not to impress that and squeezed even harder her arm.
>> Ouch! That hurts! << she cried.
>> That’s the reason why we don’t want any snooping girls here, luring our customers away. << was the answer of the waitress with no regret.
A customer just entered the inn forthcoming, so the waitress hadn’t to open the door, otherwise it would have come tricky for her without a free hand.
She threw the girl back to the outside.
>> And keep outside! << she warned her.
The sorceress touched her hurting arm.
What a merciless person, she thought angrily. However, she didn’t try to get in again, she was too afraid of this scary bitch. Why do they prohibit children anyway anything!
Again she was kicked out, but this time it wasn’t her fault.

>> Hohoho, << laughed an old man next to her, sitting on a bench with a walking-stick. >> No luck in getting in, little lady? << the old man twaddle, the sorceress punished him with an angry glaze.
>> Too bad if the own father is a boozer. << he continued blabbering, without noticing the girl’s mood.
>> Stop making fun of me, I have important things to do. << she yelled back.
>> Quit a big temper in such a small mouth. << he runs his hand over the white beard.
>> How about a deal? << he proposed. >> I will take with you in the tavern and in exchange you will be my little niece. <<
Being with the elderly was her chance to get into the inn, but even small she didn’t want to be so na?ve to get tricked.
>> Where is the snag in it? << she asked carefully.
>> None, << he ensured, >> just doing an old man a favour for joining young company. <<
>> And for that company I need to be pretending your niece? <<
>> Well … I miss my grandchildren who are living far away and I don’t want to treat a cute girl like you as a stranger. <<

The doubtfully sorceress looked at the old man; he seems harmless, moreover he couldn’t even take a step without his stick.
>> Alright, << the girl got over her, >> but we're only pretending to be related. <<
>> Of course. << the codger said benignly.
What a strange old fogy, the sorceress thought, but as long as she could enter the inn, the other matters were unimportant to her - for now.


CHAPTER 5: Quest For The Missing Party

With the old man using as a ticket, they entered the semi-lighted tavern. Voices of guests clang; busy with their own conversations than to notice anyone else coming through the door. Not far away the sorceress saw the waitress, serving some soldiers their drinks.
>> Thank you, Abigail! << one of the soldiers shouted and gave the waitress a slap on her butt when she left the table.
>> Save your temper for the Orcs, << she smirked back.
After a few steps she discovered the girl.
>> Haven’t I told you to stay outside? << she said disgruntled.
>> It is okay, she is with me. << the old man heckled.
The waitress looked both of them grimly; first the old man then the girl and just went without giving a comment.
They took a two-seated table somewhere near a windowless wall; the best spot to oversight this place, the girl found out to her delight. The chair was too high for the girl, so her legs dangled above the ground.
>> Any sign of your father? << the old man asked.
>> No, not yet. << the pretending niece replied.
>> I see, << he said, >> well, to judge the look of your clothes I don’t think your father would be hanging around in an inn like this, where middle-class people are doing their businesses. I assume that he would hanging around more in simple working-class inns such "The Shovels Mug" or a typically place to get drunk, the "Great Pig in the Barrel", if you have might heard of it. <<
None of those two speakeasies comes into question, in which regular customers would notice strangers at once, the sorceress concludes, she had to wait here for the party, but what should she tell this grandpa?
>> I can see it in your face that it wasn’t for your father why you wanted to come here, don’t you? << the old man got her; cursed! - he wasn’t so ditsy like he was looking after all.
>> Am I right? << he dug deeper. >> Why don’t you want to tell what you are really aiming for? <<
This was the time the little sorceress had quickly to make up an excuse.
>> Well, to be honest, << she said lightly halting, >> I actually wanted to offer people my services. <<
Hence she looked like a poor girl; this probably was the best answer.
>> Ahhh! A day-taller you are, working hard for the day’s penny. << he said in a wise understandingly manner.
The old man buys the story, lucky that I am such a convincing liar; the girl was relieved to have found a loophole of this hard situation.
>> And what is your father doing? << came the next question.
No, not another one! the sorceress thought annoyed, this old codger was quite more talkative than she had expected.
>> I have none, << she answered, which was in fact true.
I should stay as close as possible to the truth but staying to hide my true identity, before he caught me with nothing but lies were her thoughts.
>> If you ask so I have no parents at all. << the girl added, tying to answer the next question before the old talebearer asked it for sure. >> So you see I’m on my own. <<
>> Then in fact you are an orphan. << he said while he again runs his hand over the white beard thoughtfully.
>> That’s right, old man! << the girl replied rude.
>> Hohoho, << he laughed like a fairy tale telling grandfather would do, >> old man is quite right, since you don’t know my name and I haven’t introduced myself, yet. So just call me Uncle Ben as people are used to know me by this name. Anyway it would also fits, since you are, of course, my niece. <<
>> Okay, Uncle Ben, << the girl said feignedly nice.
>> And what is your precious little name? << Uncle Ben was keen on to know. >> Huh? … My name! << the sorceress repeated surprised. >> You have a name, don’ you? << Ben joked.
The sorceress didn’t want to risk telling her real name, what kind of name should she make up, matching her girls appearance:
>> Misty! << she said instantly out of her voice, therefore she was used to be called mistress, this name seemed her perfect.
>> Misty, that is indeed a nice name, << the old man nodded, >> and a pretty brave girl you are too, for fending yourself. However, that means that you are an urchin, too. <<
Me! A shabby brat, the sorceress thought aghast. The horror was written in her face, even the thought to be one made feel her uncomfortable.
>> You see, people don’t like alley children. So straying around, they will send them for their own sake in an orphanage. <<
The little heart began beating harder like the last time she became a girl, it was the same strange feeling re-aging for years.
>> But be of no fear, as long as you are working, there will be no need for such drastically measures, << Ben soothed her.
Great! Now I have to getting sure not to be caught and send into an orphanage, the sorceress worried, but she was sure anyway that the old man was overthrowing the whole thing. However, she should be careful.

>> Well, I see! Let’s talk about more pleasant things. << Uncle Ben recommended. Then the old man picked the menu-card and watched it puzzled.
>> My old eyes became old, could you please come over here, my Dear, and help me reading it? << the codger asked, and made a gesture to sit on his lap.
The sorceress didn’t want to; but she shouldn’t make the same mistake like in the "Great Pig in the Barrel", where she had been kicked out and under these circumstances it was better not to screw things up and jolly the old man along.
It was just a low price to stay in the inn, though an annoying one.
>> Sure, why not. << the girl said, acting as gladly as she could.
She took a look-around the inn to see anything about the party while walking over to Uncle Ben’s site; but she couldn’t see anything that would fit the three men and one woman description.
>> Come on my lap. << he said, lifting her on his knee. >> My dear, you are quite light-weighted for your age. <<
The girl didn’t respond; talking about her weight wasn't something of his concern.
On the menu were several desserts listed. The place they sat was badly lit, no wonder that this Ben wasn’t able to recognise a thing; but the sorceress could clearly see all characters.
The girl read the various names of these delicious sweets, such as plum pudding, flapjack and fruit salad; not to forget to mention the large palette of chocolate, fruit and lemon-cream cakes.
If the sorceress hadn’t known it better, an outsider would consider a girl practicing to read with her grandfather.
>> Do you want to order something? << sounded the voice of the waitress all sudden.
The sorceress just shrugged amazed, she didn’t notice her.
>> Well, I’m not sure. They all sound delicious. What do you think which one I shall take, my Dear? << Ben asked the girl.
>> Apple strudel, << she answered, >> that’s healthier for you. <<
>> Good! << the old man said. >> And for yourself. <<
>> None for me, I’m fine. <<
>> Two apple strudels then, please. << Ben ordered and laid his hand on the sorceress lap. >> For me and my niece. <<
The waitress just watched the girl queer.
>> You had looked for you drunken father but have instead found your Uncle. << she said ironically, and leaves the table.
The girl looked not very pleased to Ben.
>> Hohoho! << the old man laughed unconcerned. >> Don’t worry; of course you are my guest; so you don’t have to pay for it. <<
But that wasn’t the problem; the point was the sorceress hated sweet stuff. Besides to that, she was beginning to think, what the old man was really up to, since this letch put his hands of her naked lap.
Well, she thought, if he likes it so much, then he should have his fun; maybe he could be of any use for her and at the moment she needed him to stay here.
>> Can I sit on my own chair, Uncle? << the girl asked in a sweet tone, the touching old man shouldn’t get too much from her.
>> Of course, you can, << Ben answered, >> my old knee became tired, anyway. <<
Sure, you old liar, the sorceress thought, but I will play this game, for now.
Before she could sit properly on her chair, the waitress put two plates of apple strudel on the tabletop.
>> Thank you, Abigail my Dear. << he called her name, and off she was.
>> Always in a rush she is, isn’t she? << the old man said.
>> Yes, and strange, too. << the girl responded, but maybe she didn’t wanted to be slapped like even before, especially not from an old debauchee like him.
>> You haven’t tried your cake, yet. << Uncle Ben noticed.
I guess, I have to try it, she said to herself.
She scooped a little piece of apple strudel into her mouth.
All a sudden her palatine was filled with the sweet taste. Something good like this she hadn’t ate for a long time ago.
Though she hates sweets, her younger body seems to love it.
Uncle Ben said nothing. He just enjoyed watching the good appetite of his niece.
The sorceress swallowed the last bit, when a man with a dark-hood-covered robe came in. He sat to a round table in a corner to two other persons.
The man talked something to them and unfolded his cloak and the typically pointed ears of an Elf could be seen. Now the sorceress recognized the armour under the garment of one of the two other men that were worn by knight men. Also she could now see a magic wand, which had to be one of a magician.
An Elf, a knight and a mage, that were the three her spies told her they would gather in this inn to met Azura.
The girl stand up and approached the party, leaving Uncle Ben cold-shouldered.
Finally she found the party after she had to lurk here so long.

CHAPTER 6: The offer

When the sorceress came close enough to the party, she could listen what they were talking about.
>> Well, Mandrik. Is there any news from Azura? << the Elf asked.
>> We know no more than you, Ronor. << was the answer of the mage unfortunately.
>> I don’t trust this witch, I tell you. << told the knight.
>> You think, that she won’t come, Alindor? <<
>> No, I think that she will betray us sooner or later. << he said angrily and bashed his fist on the table.
>> Calm down, my friend. << the mage tried to ease him. >> At the moment she needs us as much as we need her. <<
>> That’s not what I meant! << the knight called Alindor snarled.
>> What do you mean then? << Ronor wanted to know.
>> Can’t you imagine it? After this SHE got what she wants and we are of no use for her anymore, she will try to get rid of us. << explained Alindor.
>> You say a wise thing, << Mandrik agreed. >> However, she is the only one who could lead us to the Mistress of Darkness, but we should keep as a precaution an eye on her. And if she is going to deceive us, we will … <<

>> What do you want girl? << the knight shouted suddenly, he noticed the girl who was eavesdropping the party.
>> You are adventurers, aren’t you? << the girl asked.
>> More or less, << the elf said, >> what can I do for you? <<
>> I want to be at your service. << the little girl replied, trying to join the party was the only way to get near enough to the necklace.
>> What skills should a strayer like you have? << Alindor asked grimly.
>> Well, …, << that was a good question, it was something she didn’t give a thought about it, >> I can carry for you heavy bag … uhmm … and also polishing stuff and nearly everything. You will see that I will be a great help to you. <<
>> I guess that the place where we go will be too dangerous for a little girl. << smiled the mage. >> It is safer, if you stay in this town. <<
>> Yes, but I want to leave the town, so therefore we have the same way; in exchange I could be helpful to you. << the little sorceress tried to convince them.
>> Sorry kiddo, but we made up our mind. << said Alindor harsh.
>> But … but …, << the girl stuttered.
>> We thank you for your offer! << Mandrik said, turned the girl away from the table and pushed his hand on her back so she had to go.
>> Maybe we take you service when you have grown up a little more. <<
I won’t give up that easily, thought the sorceress. When the girl intends to turn back to the party, a huge hand packed her arm.
>> So you are looking for a job. << someone of the guest said, the man who packed her arm was sitting relaxing on his chair.
The girl was like paralysed as the man pulled her to him and examined her.
>> Nay! << he said. >> Not strong enough. <<
Obvious she paid the attention of some other men, so soon the little sorceress was called jumbled from various merchants and other guest:
>> Can you cook? <<
>> No, you are not a boy, I don’t need girls. <<
>> Do you can also make hand-maid duties? <<
>> You know how to read and count? <<
The poor girl looked puzzled; she didn’t want to become anyone’s handmaid. Her plan didn’t work out as it should be, but what should she tell them after she begged how badly she needed work.
>> Forget it what I said! << she said in her squeaky voice.
>> The girl is shy. << someone shouted, people couldn’t resist a smile or a quietly chuckle.
>> Didn’t you want to work, here is your change. << Alindor called behind her. The girl stood there for a while, then she thought it would be the best to get out of here.

This reaction just caused another reason for a laughing mood and one of the guests stopped her.
>> Now don’t be so jumpy. << he said.
>> No, let me go! << the sorceress wanted to say, but just the moment the man pulled down her chops.
>> Let me look at your teeth. <<
Looking her teeth? What did he thought he was doing?
>> My, these teeth are in an excellent shape. << the man said. >> You haven’t any sewing skills, have you? <<
>> You mean with needle and thread? <<
>> I could use a goose maid. << a young lord next the table said.
But also to this the girl rejected this offer with a simple answer, pretending she were afraid of geese.
>> Sorry girl, I thought you were a bit older. <<
>> A little bit too inexperienced. <<
Some people were losing their interest.
Then a stoutly built man heaves the little sorceress on his table; she anxiously shrieked.
>> Instead of taking such dull works, how about showing us some dancing? << said a loud voice.
When the girl looked back to the man, he was a soldier and after his ranking he was a captain.
>> It is custom to us that a girl is dancing for us – no matter how small - before we are deploying for battle. I hope you will do us the favour. <<
>> But I can’t dance. << the sorceress wanted to make an excuse.
>> Humbug! Everyone can dance, so don’t be so lowly and show us how you can swing your legs. <<
All the entire crowd looked up to her. Another soldier, a bard who was sitting beyond the guests, twitched on his harp, creating the right tune to unleash the dancing spirit.
When people even began to clapping, the girl was forced to hop from the one toe to another. This was embarrassing; she the mighty Mistress of Darkness had to do such a ridiculous thing. The tavern was in a high spirits: music, beer & ale and of course the dancing girl, who did well. The fun ends as the girl accidentally slipped form the table.
By giving a funny outcry and landing on her bottom, this pratfall made the audience unintentionally roar with laughter.
>> This isn’t funny, that hurts. << the sorceress shouted angrily, but with her high pitch voice it didn’t sound really convincingly.
>> Well, it seems the show is over. << the stoutly built captain said. >> No hard feelings, peewee. We just wanted to have some good time. <<

That’s enough, the girl thought. This was the straw that breaks the camel's back. May my Orcs get you, she cursed the soldier.
I have enough of being a pushover little girl, whose only good for of being cute and be mocked by some grown-up for their entertainment.
As she stood up; she could see from one of the spare windows that sunset nearly have begun.
Oh, no! she said shocked. Even if she would manage to reach the gate before shut down, she wouldn’t make it to reach the woods before it’s covered in the black night to find the antidote.
Now she knows what kind of a strange feeling she had, since she became a girl. It was somewhere hidden deep in her mind. In all her arrogance she didn’t take in account, that she wouldn’t make it in one day to get the necklace. Azura could probably take a few days till she meet with the others in the inn.
The sorceress had to realize that she was without a doss or where she could stay. After this long day she also felt hungry, of course she had nothing to eat and worst of all not a single coin in her pocket. What should I do? wondered the unsheltered and hungry girl.

>> Misty! << someone said.
First the sorceress didn’t care about it, then it come back to her mind, that this person meant her.
>> Uncle Ben! << she said when she turned her head to him.
>> Are you alright? I hope you aren’t hurt. << the old man rushed to the girl when he saw this accident.
>> For a moment ago yes, but now it’s gone. <<
>> Good to hear that. << he said. >> I’m sorry you couldn’t find someone taking your service; but if you want I can ask some travelling merchants for whom you can work for. <<
By travelling from one place to another I will never get hand to my antidote, the girl thought.
>> Thank you, Uncle Ben, but I won’t feel comfortable serving someone I haven’t met before personally. <<
The girl looked at the old mans face; hopefully he wouldn’t get angry about refusing his help.
>> I understand! << he said in a calm soft voice. >> How about working for me? <<
Working for him, the sorceress looked amazed.
>> You could work and also would have still enough time to play with other children. So what are you thinking about it? <<
>> What kind of work is it? << the girl asked, she really had no clue what this man could want her to do.
>> Hohoho, << he laughed amused, >> I am the owner of "To the Golden Spoon". You could help me out in the inn. <<
Well, that was a surprise; this was the reason why the waitress let her so easily enter the tavern and gave her an unfriendly frown.
On the other side of aspects, she could stay in the inn a little bit longer and could also have an eye on the party, until Azura arrived and find an opportunity to get her hand on the necklace after all.
Of course she would accept his offer, staying a little longer small would pay off. >> You really would do that for me? << her eyes were glaring delightful. >> Sure! That’s why Uncles there. <<
Right, after all he pretended that she was her niece, though he probably had something else in his mind. However, at the moment it was more important to stay in the inn.

CHAPTER 7: Duty chores

Misty - or better said the enchanted sorceress, who made up this name to pass herself off as a girl, followed the old man the way behind the bar.
The three heroes were still sitting on their table and were probably discussing about their next move, however, without the dark sorceress Azura they could do nothing but wait.
On the bar they met Abigail, the disgruntled waitress whom the sorceress met earlier, were preparing to fill up some mugs of beer. The waitress didn’t seem to be delighted, when Uncle Ben took the girl behind the bar.
>> Abigail, my Dear, can I introduce you Misty, she will lend you a hand in the inn. <<
>> You are not serious! << Abigail said stunned. >> This little brat! <<
>> Don’t be so harsh, I’m sure you will get along with her. << Uncle Ben said in his old calm friendly way.
Abigail looked displeased, but she knew that there was no point in contradicting, when the old stubborn once made up his decision. Then he smiled satisfied and disappeared through the door to the back room.

>> I can’t believe that this is happening to me. << the waitress put her hand enervated on her forehead. >> Well, it can’t be helped. <<
Then she looked at her little helper.
>> I wonder what Uncle Ben were thinking to bring an ally girl in his tavern? <<
>> Hey! I am not an ally girl. << the little sorceress shouted offended.
>> You are not? Then you can tell me why you are wearing this rag? <<
>> Uhmm … this is … because … <<
>> And why don’t you have any adults looking after you? << Abigail didn’t let the girl finish what was trying to say.
>> This hasn’t to do with it … <<
>> And besides, you are a filthy one, too. Look at yourself! Covered all over with dust. <<
The sorceress tries to say something, but then she left it. The waitress hit a point, so it was useless to answer back.
After all, her entire appearance gave the impression to look really like a homeless child, knowing that she haven’t no parents proved that the waitress must have heard her conversation with Uncle Ben. They hadn’t talked quietly though.
>> Your name is Misty, right? It doesn’t sound like a name for a maid. If I see right you look more like a little dusk flake – maybe I will call you by this name. << Abigail scoff at her with a sneering smile.
>> Stop treating me like an idiot! << the girl cried angrily.
>> Don’t shout that loudly, << the waitress fizzed, glaring again to the girl. >> You wanna have a better treatment, then deserve it. <<
Deserving? the girl thought, somehow she didn’t like the sound of it.
>> Keep these two little rules in your minds, and we will be close friends. << Abigail advises: >> First: You will do what I am telling you! Don’t think you don’t have to listen to me, because Uncle Ben brought you here.
Second: Never do or say something that annoys the guests, that’s includes table dancing, you got me? <<
The sorceress heard her instructions half-bored and nodded; she wasn’t in mood to answer her needless questions. Let the old lady talking, she was thinking. Compared to her current age, the young waitress was to be referred as "old".
>> Good! << Abigail said, not sure whether the girl listened to her or not. >> Then make yourself useful and mop the kitchen floor. Water and floorcloth are ready! <<

And so the waitress opened the door behind the bar, which leads not far away to the kitchen. On the small hall before the kitchen the implements stands ready.
Not overzealous to perform menial jobs, she took the bucket with water and the cloth to her way to the kitchen. Of course, she couldn’t watch what was going on outside in the tavern. But this wasn’t so bad; she just had to wet the floor a bit, so she could finish this quickly. The girl kneeled and soaked the old cloth that was holey like a Swiss cheese and brushed the floor until it was wettish everywhere in the kitchen.
Wasn’t that difficult at all, she thought.
Then the little sorceress walked back to the door behind the bar and opened a little gap to observe the heroes without being seen by the maid, who would just give her some other dirty works to do.
Unfortunately, she stands right behind the door, so she rip-opened the door.
>> You are already finished? << the waitress wondered.
>> Uhmm … yes. << the girl answered carefully, she was not sure what she should say and had little time to think about it.
However, at the current situation it was the best not to make her furious, so telling what she wanted to hear was the best option.
>> Little lady, if you want to stay here, you should break your bad habit with this unclear pronunciation! Say just "Yes" or "No"! Got it? <<
Now this waitress also wants to tell her how to talk and answer properly, but she swallowed her anger and answered just with: >> It won’t happen again. <<
Abigail grabbed the girl’s wrist and pulled behind her to the kitchen, the sorceress had difficulties to keep step with her. In the kitchen, Abigail stood astonished for awhile.
>> You lazy little dusk-flake are calling that cleaning? <<
>> What’s wrong? << Misty asked blank-faced.
What kind of problem had she now?
>> You just have wet the floor. << Abigail said.
>> Isn’t that the part of cleaning? <<
>> No, the part of cleaning is to get rid of the dirt, not to disperse it. <<
She pointed with her finger on the dries places on the floor, where the wet dust and filth appeared again on the ground. The girl said nothing, denying was useless, she couldn’t fool the waitress.
Abigail looked suspicious to the girl and took her hand.
>> Your hands are soft and as smooth as butter, you must have never had work hard in your life before! << she found out. >> What were you doing to earn you living? <<
The sorceress just looked confused and innocent into her eyes.
What would she do now?
>> Let’s see if you can handle easy jobs, at least. << Abigail sight indignantly, thinking that's going to be fun.
After this sloppy work, the sorceress could count herself lucky that Abigail was lenient toward to her. But she wasn’t.
Not only that Abigail had to tell her two or three times what she had to do, before she moved doing something, she also mixed things up and were not concentrated at work.
Besides, she was also heavy-handed; so she let fall a full tablet, as she had to collect some empty mugs.
>> I knew you would be quite troubling. << Abigail scolded the clumsy girl.
The mighty empress was not used to get orders, and she didn’t care about it, she was just interested about the heroes’ doings.
Suddenly a black-clothed lady entered the tavern. The woman’s head were covered in the hood of her rob, but it was still easily to be seen that her hair was pitch-black.
That was interesting, the girl thought, as she saw the woman from far behind.
Was this mysteriously lady maybe Azura who has finally arrived?

>> Go downstairs and get some buckets for me! << Abigail requested.
>> Later! << the wilful girl refused, she didn’t want to miss what Azura was now doing.
The waitress pulled her ear. She had enough of that stubborn child.
>> Listen what I’m telling you! << she hissed annoyed, while the girl moaned of pain. >> And now go! <<
The girl went chagrined downstairs of a small gang, that was near behind the bar’s door.
She touched her hurting ear.
>> No reason to get so rough. << she mumbled.
It was dark in the room, so the light coming through the door was the only source of light she could see through the sparely lighted basement. There was a window somewhere high up the wall, but it was dark of dirt.
>> I can’t find any buckets. << the little girl shouted, after she had looked for them.
>> Then look more closely. << was the answer upstairs.
Great! the sorceress thought impatiently. While she was seeking for some dump buckets, she didn’t know what Azura was going to do in the tavern. Hopefully they won’t leave the town before she could get the necklace.
Her thoughts were disturbed as the door was closed and covered the cellar with darkness.
Some weak light shafts of sunset broke through the window, but they were not bright enough to lighten the lower part of the room. Then she heard that some steps were coming down the stairs and a shadow moving.
It was Abigail.
>> What’s going on? << the girl cringed.
>> Nothing! You only get some special treatment to cure you of your bad attitude of working morale. << the waitress said coldly, when she reached the last step and abut on the frame.
The sorceress got a bad feeling about that.
>> Don’t try to resist! << she warned the girl, as she approached her. >> The earlier we got this behind us, the earlier we are finished. <<
>> No! << was the girl’s reaction.
She tried to run around the waitress and to reach the door, but Abigail’s arm already packed her little body. The girls screamed, shouted and fidget, but it was useless.
>> If you had done your work correctly and listened to me as expected, you wouldn’t have been punished. << Abigail told her dry. >> But scream as loud as you can, because in this basement nobody will hear you; that was the reason why I lured you down here. <<
Abigail sat on a box and laid the naughty girl on her laid.
>> No! Let me go! Don’t you hear me? << the helpless sorceress demanded, she couldn’t believe that probably the mightiest sorceress in history was be punished by an inferior maidservant.
>> Now we will she if you really are an alley girl. << Abigail said as she stripped the girl’s rag to uncover her blank butt.
>> As I thought, << she found out amused, >> you are not wearing any panties, but that is typically for homeless children. <<
>> I never wore one. << the girl answered unconsciously, she didn’t even wear lingerie when she was an adult.
Abigail laid her hand on her naked bottom, while the girl still tried to get free; and then the inevitable happened. The waitress stroke out and hit her little butt forcefully and continued the treatment, again and again. The sorceress didn’t want to give her the satisfaction to scream, but then the pain got the upper hand, so she had no other choice but to cry:
>> No! Please stop it! I’m sorry! I will work harder, I promise! Please! <<
The sorceress begged Abigail for forgiveness, tears were running down her face and as the pain was almost unbearable, the waitress stopped to spank her.
>> May this be a lesson for you. << Abigail said satisfied, while the girl dries her eyes. >> You will stay here until tomorrow, so you can think all about this. <<
What! Leaving me back in that dark place! The sorceress didn’t want to stay here. Who knows if Azura and the party would be still in the inn tomorrow morning?
She couldn’t allow failing to steal the necklace, she had to do something.
>> Please don’t nick me in this dark basement. << she begged.
>> Didn’t I make myself clear? You will stay at this basement as I said. <<
>> Please not! << she cried and clutched Abigail’s leg as she went up. >> Don’t leave me behind. <<
>> Let off my leg! My decision is definitely. <<
The sorceress had to act. But how?
Desperately, the girl started to kiss Abigail feet, but because she weren’t bare-footed, she kissed her shoes instead.
>> Please, Mistress Abigail, I do whatever you want. << she endeared her gaoler.
Misty did exactly that what her maid would do to avoid punishment.
>> Well … you have learned pretty fast! << Abigail said astonished. >> Fine! You can come with me, but I will send you back in the basement if you don’t behave. <<
>> Thank you, Mistress Abigail. << Misty said, and this time put more attention in her words.

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Thank you for your passions for reading my story.
Please give me your comments about it - no matter if good or not.

If I have finished the next chapter(s), I will post them here.

Captain Ash