Ch.4: The Dark Artifact

Meanwhile, back down under the museum, in the shadow of its past, Duke was slowly growing used to this strange, underground world where the homeless people thrived.

If you looked around carefully, you could see places where sturdy shelters had been made, and even smell the light whiff of food drifting in the air. Grownups talked and kids laughed, Duke grinned, all this and more was beginning to remind him of home.

Back on Puckworld, the Brotherhood of Blade had shared the same sense of community these homeless folk did. Providing for each other, protecting each other. No task was to small to make sure all their thieving family continued to thrive.

"Heh, I sometimes miss those days" thought Duke to himself " even though they were tough, I was to be part of the Brotherhood."

But the past was behind him now. He was proud to a be part of his new team. He only wished there was to let everyone know that he was still alright.

Suddenly, the grey mallard's thoughts were interrupted, when something unexpected bumped into his leg. Looking down to where he felt the bump, the drake smiled when he saw a young, brown-haired kid rubbing his head on the floor.

"Oro" spoke up the old woman who had been showing Duke around " How many times have I told you not to go into the deeper chambers?"

"It's nothing to worry about" said the kid, who looked no younger than eight-years old " I didn't go very far. Sorry for bumping into to you Mr. Duck."

"That's Duke kid" said Duke, helping the boy up " Duke L'Orange. And don't worry about it, I'm fine. So, I guess you're part of this community to huh?"

"Heh, if you can even call it that," said Oro.

"Hush now!" snapped the old woman " I'll have to deal with you later. Show our guest to somewhere he can stay, and don't me catch you going into the caverns again!"

"Yes mam" said Oro sourly, as the woman walked away " This way, follow me."

"She your grandma kid?" asked Duke.

"Victoria? Nah!" said Oro " She just likes to boss me around. It's always the same thing. Stay away from the deeper caverns! You'll get lost! Don't you know…Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah! This is a museum! There's exciting things here! Why should I stay in the same, boring old room when I have a chance to explore."

"Ha!" laughed Duke " you're adventurous kiddo. Tell you what, while I'm down here, maybe we can take the chance to explore."

"Really?" said Oro " That would great! But we need to stay out of the West Wing. Nothing but evil lies in there."

"Evil huh?" said Duke, looking to where his new friend pointed.

What kind of evil could be hiding down here? Did it have anything to do with those freaks from above?

Duke doubted it, but still, could he really take the chance? Maybe this West Wing needed to be explored, and whatever evil in it, needed to be kicked out.

Soft snores echoed from a hollow chamber as Duke slept, dreamless in his temporarily provided home. It was long way until morning, where hopefully the museum truck would finally move, and Duke could make it back to his friends.

Suddenly, a small noise woke Duke up, and he looked out the window to see Oro directly heading towards the West Wing.

Didn't the kid himself say that place was dangerous? Why was he heading there?

Curious to what could be going on, Duke grabbed his sword and went, sneakingly following the young kid's trail.

The West Wing was downright creepy alright. Remember that horror castle from Beauty and the Beast? It looked pretty similar to that, only more dark and much more evil.

"Oro," Duke whispered hoarsely, hoping the kid would stop and hear.

He had completely lost the kid's trail, and now nothing more but silence greeted his ears. Duke was lost. Where should he go now? A dark glow from up ahead became his answer.

Creeping closer, Duke saw that it was some kind of artifact, a dark gem that seemed to be calling him by name.

"Take me! Take me!" it screamed, and the thief instincts inside Duke flared.

Before the mallard could even think twice, he gripped the stone in his hand. A shock went through his spine, his muscles started to burn, he yelled out once and then crashed to the floor. The stone had disappeared, dissolving into a mark on his palm.

"Excellent" hissed out a voice from the shadows, as the kid named Oro looked at the unconscious Duke. " It has begun."