Abduction
Barthus went to talk to Shrek, but didn't get anywhere.. He tried to tell Shrek Fiona was in love with him, but that stubborn idiot wouldn't believe him. Why did he have to have such a moron for a son? Barthus hesitated to tell him about Rainbow Ivy. Upon weighing everything, he decided as distraught as Shrek was, maybe it was better not to do so. After all Rainbow Ivy had left, and it didn't seem like he was coming back. If he did, Barthus knew he could handle him. Nothing was going to stop Shrek and Fiona's marriage not even themselves. The delegation would be there in 7 days, and that was plenty of time to mend bridges. He would get these two together even if he had to knock them out and marry them unconscious. He wasn't thinking seriously of doing that, but at this point no options were off the table. Whatever it took to keep the Ogrids from killing them he would do.
After a strained supper which Barthus demanded Shrek and Fiona sit at with him, they all retired to their respective beds early. The strain of the dinner and the day, took its toll, and they all fell into a deep sleep as if they were drugged.
After a strained supper which Barthus demanded Shrek and Fiona sit at with him, they all retired to their respective beds early. The strain of the dinner and the day, took its toll, and they all fell into a deep sleep as if they were drugged.
The night air hung with a damp oppressiveness. It seemed like nature itself could sense the foreboding trouble descending and waited with baited breath. As if on a cue from a "b" movie script, a dark shadow appeared. All that was missing was a director cuing the foreboding music. Rainbow Ivy was enveloped in darkness. He moved with a surprising litheness unnatural for his size. He strode forward confidently. He had a mission, and nothing was going to stop this mission from being successful. He had never failed to deliver a package, and this one would be no exception. In spite of his own rules, he had found himself taken in by Fiona's naivete, and found her charming in a brutish sort of way. Yet in spite of this, he couldn't let his own personal feelings stop him from doing a job. He only cared about being paid, and keeping his patron happy. He had never failed his patron, but knew that his patron did not find anybody indispensable. He had a friend, before he realized how dangerous it was to form connections, that his patron had liked very well. He had a perfect record with his patron, and never had failed in any mission given to him until that day. The other peon's envied his friend the favored status that he had attained. One day his patron had called Rainbow Ivy and the other peon's to the big hall where his patron sat to intimidate others. This summons of all the "peons" as his patron called them, was unusual indeed. To his surprise, he saw his friend standing before the patron with his hands bound. Rainbow Ivy was filled with fear. What had his friend done to displease the patron? HIs patron hit his staff on the ground sharply, to gain order of the hall. His patron had turned to his favored "peon" and pronounced sentence on him. Rainbow Ivy shuddered still hearing the booming voice of his patron.
Patron: Dianthus, you have been found in dereliction of your duty by allowing your target to escape.
Dianthus: Sir, I beg you hear me out.
Patron: Silence! Is it not true that you failed to bring in Aranus, your wife for punishment after her sister escaped?
Dianthus desperate pleaded: Sir, she did nothing wrong, I did indeed fail you.
Patron: Enough! I will hear no excuses. I, being the benevolent one, will allow you to choose the method of your execution. In addition, since you have always served me well, I will not let your wife suffer by watching you die. She will die first, without being tortured. It will not be long and drawn out. She will be gutted quickly and cleanly. This I promise. Be thankful that I have shown you this small mercy. You will not have to watch her suffer longer than necessary. Am I not merciful?
Dianthus screaming: No, please sir, I beg you I am the one who smuggled her sister out of the country! She pled for her sister's life. I could have said no to my wife, but I didn't! It isn't her fault I chose to do this! Please don't punish her! I beg you! I will die the most horrible death you can come up with if you will spare her life! I will give you immense pleasure in letting you torture me! Don't I beg you, murder my wife! I have children who need their mother. Please take pity on them sir for my sake. Dianthus did something he swore he would never do, he got on his knees and groveled to the patron. He would do anything to spare his wife's life.
The patron looked long at Dianthus and suddenly he smiled.
Rainbow Ivy seeing that smile grew cold. That was not a smile of compassion or pity, but of sheer evil.
The patron turned his staff over and over in his hands, and it seemed like it was an eternity before he spoke: You are an elegant orator among other skills you possess Dianthus, and your words have moved me.
The patron turned to his special guardsman and gave an order which was unintelligible.
The guard left the room.
The patron looked at Dianthus and said in an oily voice with no pity or feeling: You are right Dianthus, your children cannot live without their mother or father. That is why I have ordered for them to be taken care of. They will die with their mother quickly and painlessly as well, I promise.
Dianthus crying piteously: No, honored one! Please not my children. I beg you give them to a good home! Please!
Patron: No more Dianthus, or I will not show them any mercy, and will have to watch them die a long and torturous death instead of a quick one. Take him away guards.
Turning to the other Peons. I don't expect you to be perfect, but I do expect you to obey me. When I give an order it must be followed. Dianthus is an example of what will happen to you and your families if you fail me. Just to make sure you understand I will brook no disobedience, the executions will be witnessed by all. Any one who fails to watch or show up, will suffer double the punishment of Dianthus. Now go.
Rainbow Ivy never forgot those images of the executions. Even he, who had been hardened by this time, was sickened by the spectacle. He vowed then and there he would never fail the patron, and he never had.
Patron: Dianthus, you have been found in dereliction of your duty by allowing your target to escape.
Dianthus: Sir, I beg you hear me out.
Patron: Silence! Is it not true that you failed to bring in Aranus, your wife for punishment after her sister escaped?
Dianthus desperate pleaded: Sir, she did nothing wrong, I did indeed fail you.
Patron: Enough! I will hear no excuses. I, being the benevolent one, will allow you to choose the method of your execution. In addition, since you have always served me well, I will not let your wife suffer by watching you die. She will die first, without being tortured. It will not be long and drawn out. She will be gutted quickly and cleanly. This I promise. Be thankful that I have shown you this small mercy. You will not have to watch her suffer longer than necessary. Am I not merciful?
Dianthus screaming: No, please sir, I beg you I am the one who smuggled her sister out of the country! She pled for her sister's life. I could have said no to my wife, but I didn't! It isn't her fault I chose to do this! Please don't punish her! I beg you! I will die the most horrible death you can come up with if you will spare her life! I will give you immense pleasure in letting you torture me! Don't I beg you, murder my wife! I have children who need their mother. Please take pity on them sir for my sake. Dianthus did something he swore he would never do, he got on his knees and groveled to the patron. He would do anything to spare his wife's life.
The patron looked long at Dianthus and suddenly he smiled.
Rainbow Ivy seeing that smile grew cold. That was not a smile of compassion or pity, but of sheer evil.
The patron turned his staff over and over in his hands, and it seemed like it was an eternity before he spoke: You are an elegant orator among other skills you possess Dianthus, and your words have moved me.
The patron turned to his special guardsman and gave an order which was unintelligible.
The guard left the room.
The patron looked at Dianthus and said in an oily voice with no pity or feeling: You are right Dianthus, your children cannot live without their mother or father. That is why I have ordered for them to be taken care of. They will die with their mother quickly and painlessly as well, I promise.
Dianthus crying piteously: No, honored one! Please not my children. I beg you give them to a good home! Please!
Patron: No more Dianthus, or I will not show them any mercy, and will have to watch them die a long and torturous death instead of a quick one. Take him away guards.
Turning to the other Peons. I don't expect you to be perfect, but I do expect you to obey me. When I give an order it must be followed. Dianthus is an example of what will happen to you and your families if you fail me. Just to make sure you understand I will brook no disobedience, the executions will be witnessed by all. Any one who fails to watch or show up, will suffer double the punishment of Dianthus. Now go.
Rainbow Ivy never forgot those images of the executions. Even he, who had been hardened by this time, was sickened by the spectacle. He vowed then and there he would never fail the patron, and he never had.
Rainbow Ivy walked into the house. He stopped to make sure nobody was awake. He climbed the stairs silently. He hoped that he wouldn't run into any problems, but he had donned a disguise to make sure he wouldn't be recognized. He would reveal his identity to Fiona when necessary.
Rainbow Ivy walked into the bedroom with Barthus and Shrek sleeping. He was glad to see that they were sleeping the sleep of the dead. He didn't think if he set off a bomb they would wake up. He hadn't known whose bedroom this was when he stepped in, but knowing now he wouldn't have any troubles he went to find Fiona's room.
He found her room and walked in. She was laying in the bed snoring softly. He looked at her innocent face, and grimaced regretfully. He hated to wake her up from her peaceful slumbers, but time was ticking away, and they had to be away before it got too light out.
Rainbow Ivy, walked to the bed and bending over shook her gently and called her name. Fiona mumbled something unintelligible, and turned over. Rainbow Ivy, shook her more roughly. Fiona woke up and saw a masked man standing near her bed. Fiona opened her mouth to let out a scream, and Rainbow Ivy held his hand over her mouth.
Rainbow Ivy: Fiona, It is ok. It is me Rainbow Ivy. Now I am here for you, and must insist you come with me. I don't have time to explain now, but I promise you that I will explain at the first opportunity. I am going to let go of your mouth if you promise not to scream, and will allow you to get dressed. It is unfortunate I will not be able to turn my back on you, but we aren't in a situation where false modesty is appropriate. If you don't obey me, I promise you I will have to hurt you, and I don't want to have to do that. If I remove my hand do you promise not to scream? Fiona terrified nodded. Good girl. He took his hand away and she slowly climbed out of bed.
Her thoughts were racing. Why was he here? She had told him she didn't want to go with him when given a choice, so why was he back insisting she go? She didn't understand what he wanted.
Rainbow Ivy, walked to the bed and bending over shook her gently and called her name. Fiona mumbled something unintelligible, and turned over. Rainbow Ivy, shook her more roughly. Fiona woke up and saw a masked man standing near her bed. Fiona opened her mouth to let out a scream, and Rainbow Ivy held his hand over her mouth.
Rainbow Ivy: Fiona, It is ok. It is me Rainbow Ivy. Now I am here for you, and must insist you come with me. I don't have time to explain now, but I promise you that I will explain at the first opportunity. I am going to let go of your mouth if you promise not to scream, and will allow you to get dressed. It is unfortunate I will not be able to turn my back on you, but we aren't in a situation where false modesty is appropriate. If you don't obey me, I promise you I will have to hurt you, and I don't want to have to do that. If I remove my hand do you promise not to scream? Fiona terrified nodded. Good girl. He took his hand away and she slowly climbed out of bed.
Her thoughts were racing. Why was he here? She had told him she didn't want to go with him when given a choice, so why was he back insisting she go? She didn't understand what he wanted.
Fiona in spite of the situation being kind of surreal, and comical standing in her underwear was terrified. She didn't know what to do. It was true, that she was not willing to stay here, but to go with a man who she hardly knew and obviously had lied to her was discomfiting at the very least. She thought about begging him to reconsider, but with that scary mask on she was too intimidated. She thought maybe if she screamed, but somehow she thought that Rainbow Ivy would not only make her pay, but Shrek and Barthus would get the worst of any battle between them.
Rainbow Ivy seeing her frightened face, and being a good judge of character seeing the wheels of her mind weighing her options spoke menacingly: Believe you me Fiona, it won't do any good to try anything. You see I came prepared. He whipped out a big knife that looked like it could gut anybody with one swipe. She gasped the breath leaving her body. Oh dear she thought. If she tried anything it would mean Barthus and Shrek would die. It is true, she thought if Shrek died it wouldn't be a great loss, but she couldn't bear the thought of Barthus being killed in front of her eyes.
She sighed. The initial fear was subsiding, and while she was still very much scared, she was able to think more clearly. Maybe it was for the best. If she left, she could cut ties with Barthus and Shrek forever. It didn't please her to think that the Ogrids would be taking revenge on Barthus and Shrek, but at least she wouldn't be responsible for that. If she was taken by Rainbow Ivy it meant the decision of what to do was taken out of her hands, and somehow that made her feel some better. Besides, she couldn't help thinking if Rainbow Ivy intended to harm her, he wouldn't be trying to take her away would he? Well it was a moot point either way as it looked like she had no choice. This might be the key to a new life. She could go with Rainbow Ivy, and look for opportunities to escape. If she went to a strange place she could maybe disappear, and find a way to start a new life. Who knows how this could all work out? If Rainbow Ivy meant her harm then that would be ok as well. If he killed her, she would be with her beloved daddy. She wasn't sure at this point what she wished for most. It seemed fate might be going her way. To escape this torture was something she had longed for, and here she hesitated? Well no more.
Fiona still somewhat frightened, but resigned: Do not fear Rainbow Ivy, your coming was maybe fortuitous, I was kind of wishing I had gone with you before, and now here you are. Give me a minute to change. I promise I won't fight you.
Rainbow Ivy smiled: Ok Fiona, but I am sorry I can't allow you privacy to do that. I will not be fooled. So change and quickly.
Fiona blushed, realizing she was in her pajamas: B-b-but I can't strip in front of you. I-I don't know you.
Rainbow Ivy chuckling: Believe you me my dear, you are nothing but a means to an end. I have no desire to ravage you, and the sight of your naked body will not entice me I assure you. I gave that kind of thing up a long time ago.
Fiona blushing crying slightly in humiliation quickly stripped off her pajama's and slipped her dress on hurriedly.
Rainbow Ivy in spite of what he said, was not unaffected by the sight of her body. He hadn't seen a woman in that condition in a long time. He wanted to reach out and touch her smooth skin. He found those long dormant desires he had thought dead starting to come to life. He had to fight these thoughts. To distract himself he focused on the rest of the plan. They would need to take one of the horses. They had a long way to go, and he didn't think Fiona would be able to walk the whole way on foot. Besides they had equipment that couldn't be carried.
Fiona finally was dressed.
Rainbow Ivy smiling gently: You look lovely Fiona even in your dishabille. She blushed as if she had gotten a compliment from a lover. He chuckled quietly. He would have to watch himself, as he could see himself becoming entangled with this girl. His thoughts strayed to what it would be like to have her in his arms and in his bed. He quickly turned away. These thoughts were dangerous. He couldn't allow anyone to get near him. Dianthus was a great example of why it wasn't a good idea to have any entanglements. He snapped at her impatiently. Now we go.
Fiona finally was dressed.
Rainbow Ivy smiling gently: You look lovely Fiona even in your dishabille. She blushed as if she had gotten a compliment from a lover. He chuckled quietly. He would have to watch himself, as he could see himself becoming entangled with this girl. His thoughts strayed to what it would be like to have her in his arms and in his bed. He quickly turned away. These thoughts were dangerous. He couldn't allow anyone to get near him. Dianthus was a great example of why it wasn't a good idea to have any entanglements. He snapped at her impatiently. Now we go.
Fiona led the way down the stairs with Rainbow Ivy right behind her. She had to admit in spite of the thought of leaving this warm house into the cold fall night into a future unknown, she was slightly excited. What would the future bring? She didn't know, but now that it was here, she was going to meet it head on and with no regrets.