Chapter 181: The Witch of Annwndale, Part 1
Fritz was a little concerned as he walked the way to Annwndale. That was where his friend, Willow, was. They had talked a couple days before and had agreed to meet at Hobb's End. She said she'd be there no matter what occurred. When she didn't show up Fritz thought something must be wrong, so he headed off to find her.
*
On the outskirts of the town, he met a Gnome. They greeted each other and Fritz asked him if he had seen Willow.
'She was around here for a couple of days,' he answered, 'but she hasn't been seen today.' Fritz frowned as the Gnome continued, 'If anyone knows where she is, it would be Elspeth.'
He went on to explain that Elspeth was a witch Gnome who lived in the woods. She had great powers and could see the unseen.
*
Fritz followed the Gnome's directions and made his way through the southern woods. There, in a clearing, he saw a small hut or wigwam made of animal furs. There was a strange little Gnome girl dressed in a black robe. Fritz walked toward her, thinking 'this must be Elspeth the witch.'
*
'I know why you're here,' the witch said. 'You seek the wizard girl in the red cap.'
Fritz looked at her in a daze and muttered a reply. 'Yes. I'm a bit worried about her. Do you know where she is?'
'Not yet,' she said. 'But by morning my dreams will have told me where to find her. Stay here tonight and tomorrow I'll help you all I can.'
Fritz agreed, though he was a bit wary.
*
In the morning, Elspeth led Fritz through the woods. 'I dreamt of a tree, a particular tree with a hole in it. And also of two red caps. One was stained with blood.' Fritz feared what the dream might have meant and was visibly upset.
'Don't worry, Fritz,' Elspeth said calmly. 'Willow is alive and unharmed. She is hidden underground... down here.'
Just then, they came to a great tree with an opening in its side.
*
Elspeth took Fritz's hand and led him into the tunnel. He couldn't help feeling that this was a trap. But, trap or no, he had to go on for Willow's sake.
'Be on your guard,' the witch whispered. 'We are not alone.' Fritz tightened his grip on his walking stick and steeled his nerves for a fight.
As they came to the end of the tunnel, they thought they saw a faint light.
*
In an open area, they saw Willow. She was bound with a cord made from arcanus vine*. As Fritz stepped forward to help her, three Goblins came from the darkness. Their leader was large and fierce-looking. Fritz recognised him. It was Redcap, an infamous murdering Goblin who dyed his cap red with his victims' blood. The Goblins ran at Fritz and Elspeth with their weapons drawn.
* Arcanus vine is a rare plant with several magical properties. It can be used to make rope or cord. When a wizard is bound with this cord, they can not use any of their magical abilities.
*