Chapter XX ~ Through Stone and Mire

 Faer, whose head was often in the clouds, was keeping close to the tails of the swans, and their loyal Voice who took the heading on Odette’s head. Protectively observant of the little Robin, Jiminy kept looking back to him, picking up on his unrest. At once when he did look back, he failed to see him… After all, the Robin had flown down at once when something had seemed to have grabbed his attention. Stopping his flight, for only a second when his caught onto more ebony black below in the canopy… As if to lure the innocent elven. Faer ruffled up, shook his head and wisely chose to dive down to Quasimodo below.

Whilst riding, while keeping his eyes on the Flock who were keeping close, Quasimodo was surprised when his loyal flyer had zoomed down and gripped quick on his chest, in a flurry. Protectively, he had a hand over his friend as he stilled his horse for a moment.

“Faer, dearest friend… whatever could it be? You’re shaking~” he was alarmed upon seeing those wings flutter. 

“Don’t want ya to be lookin’ now~ but we’s bein’ followed…” Faer softly announced, much to Quasimodo’s concern. “… again,”

“This early into the journey, and someone still sets eyes on us, regardless.” the Woodsman whispered back. “What did you see?”

“Black! More black~ but it wanted me to follow it. Ain’t that dim~”

“Blessed, you are, my friend…” Quasimodo was relieved before he needed to look over his shoulder, just to be certain if they were being eavesdropped. “You returned to me instead of investigating on your own. I don’t believe my heart could take another assault.” he admitted, only to the ear of his friend. Alerting the Minister this soon needed a fragile approach, and so he pressed Fidele to pick up his gallop and manuevered him out to the side of the horses, and picked up more speed. 

As soon as he made it to the Fresian and his rider, Quasimodo slowed Fidele to a passive trot. Frollo passively closed his eyes as if he found his son’s own presence refreshing, yet he had noticed the Robin roosting on Quasimodo’s shoulder.

“Are you on guard, my boy?”

‘Quite so, sire… Faer had spotted a straggler,” Quasimodo softly mentioned, keeping a calm face as they all trotted together.

“Be that as it may, it is merely a spy, I take it. The maidens remain in view as they promised. We cannot allow any guard down.” 

“They could be after Jiminy, firstly.” Quasimodo expressed a worry, right then. 

“Have the Robin to bring the Flock to land. I have a proposal,” Frollo stated, and Quasimodo nodded. “The gentleman is as precious as they,”

Softly, taking the Robin in hand, the bird did a tiny bow before taking the air again to go and alert the Maidens. Feeling safe, he obeyed without word and flew directly to the swans.

“Ladies! And gentleman!” Faer alerted them, before Odette’s and Jiminy’s eyes primarily. “Don’t want to alarm ya, but we still have eyes on us~ Minister likes t’have a word with ya…” he told them, as brisk as possible. 

Odette glanced up at her rider, as Eleonor shook her head.

“As this means that we are not in immediate danger?” Jiminy asked, with worry as if permanently etched in his brow. So far, the skies were clear. Faer gave a tense, apologetic little smile, and shook his head. Seeing the worry in Odette’s eye, Jiminy thus agreed. “Eleonor, please~ we must listen to them, for our own sanities~”

“This is to be regular at once when he feels a chill down his back…” she lamely remarked, but even she couldn’t argue. It was a command.

“Whatever they see, it has to be true! Come, ladies!” Ida urged, not wishing to have another incident.

To the men’s relief, it would seem the Flock was making a flight pattern to go around to meet them. Lower they went to a patch of soft grass for their padded feet. The Dwarfs saw this and gathered forward in alarm at their landing. As they did, so did the soldiers while Frollo had dismounted his horse, in calm of seeing them sound.

“I thank you for coming down to us, dear maidens.” he spoke as he counted all seven of them. The cricket had been allowed to stand on the edge of Odette’s bill before he hopped willingly onto Frollo’s palm.

Quasimodo seemed soothed as he was only allowed to listen to this unfold. Doc neared the Flock as did Happy, lovingly stroking along the few of their wings. Eleonor bowed her head as Odette chose to humbly sit herself in the grass. The diamond shimmered in the sunshine as the day was growing fond for them. At first glance, there appeared to be no danger… not visibly, at least.

“What could it be, Your Honor?” Jiminy had to ask, in trust. “We came down as soon as we were told…”

“A spy lingers above our heads, as the Robin had keenly seen.” Frollo spoke. “… for we have learned thus far that you can be easily taken from her back, and their hides easily shot - it would be best if each of the Dwarfs were to take each of you on their mounts. Aerial attacks seem too simple for our enemy, as well as ground level.”

Jiminy blinked at this however, he was fairly agreeable to this, hoping the journey to Paris would be gentle on them this time. However, even that was wishful thinking. 

“During dire moments would you fly, but the air thickens as we venture on as we speak. This spy, what does he resemble, Quasimodo?”

“Once, again, a black feathered sort. Possibly, a live raven.” Quasimodo added, much to their own fears that this was far from over. 

“No doubt, among their familiars, I take it.” Frollo’s voice turned grave. “We are followed, and we must be prepared…” 

Once when he placed Jiminy back to the safety of Odette’s feathers, he took to his horse again, gesturing Quasimodo to remain with the Dwarfs as trust had grown thicker. This time around, at least, the women felt deeply safer on ground to some degree. All thanks to having their Robin always hyperaware, for a fact… The days were going to become gradually darker. As ordered, Dopey was first to take Dorothea into his arms, while Bashful was chosen by Ida… His bright brown eyes welled up at the silent gesture, and sweetly picked her up to ride with him upon his buck. 

Eleonor shared a warning glare up at Grumpy, who was apparently in the same situation… Seeing her ruffle up the feathers on the back of her long neck, she willingly opened her wings and took a leap to land on the back of Grumpy’s buck and settled in. As a way to keep them from more prying eyes, many of their cloaks had to be used to cover them. Doc gladly took in Antoinette, as Sneezy was with Mary, and Sleepy with Caroll Anne. Lastly, Happy as being the one to have found her first when she entered this land, Odette remained by him. Covering her, especially the Diamond, Happy lovingly settled her in front of him in the cover of his own cloak. Jiminy bounded from her bill to the safety of Quasimodo’s palm.

Before they were to head on, their eyes focused skyward as the birds had seemed to have gone silent. It was unnerving because the day was still young for them. The best route as of now was to find a way off the paths, and having these Dwarfs with their precious cargo was an advantage.

“There is a way we can bypass for ‘while,” Grumpy explained. “… it is through a stone path that goes through a scores of range, but it’s been ages since anyone’s ever used it. It was once a mine.” he explained to the Knighthood. “… it’s not comm’n, but it’d keep the ladies safe.”

“This experience of yours?” Frollo asked, straight-forward.

“Eh, more like from an old fam’ly bloodline.” was the old truth of it, but it seemed like it was a heavy subject to speak on. 

“It is twir- worth it, ain’t it?” Doc spoke up after a time of quiet. “Definitely do not want to see any of them fall again.”

“Too right!” Sneezy agreed. Although, he started gasping when he felt a sneeze coming on, much to the annoyance of everyone else. 

Grumpy angrily eyed his brother as everyone seemed to have begun to turn their steeds to follow the meaningful dwarfs.

“That’s gonna get us beheaded in no time, y’idgit.” Grumpy slickly spat at his brother.

“I’ve been holdin’ it off th-though!” 

“Now’s not the time for this hayfever~” Happy whispered. “Our Maidens lives are on the line here…”

“Not to mention all this talk of eyes and ears around us,” Jiminy sparked among them, who felt safe on Quasimodo’s shoulder.

“… or should any sound bring anyone near,” he added in a hushed voice. “… best to keep to ourselves now.” was his softest of warnings, yet the gravity of the situation was enough of a teacher. 

As life was beginning grow darker, with further anxieties as ever before, being held in this way meant the entire world for the Flock. The world about them still hung onto its beauty but a shadow was ever so present above them, even with all these arms about them. Odette felt a little held inside her own head for the time being, even when the diamond had glowed bright as if to light up the dark for them as they ventured deeper into this one area in the forest, off the roadside. This anxiety took root in her dimming mind that there was a high possibility that she and the others were to not be able to have their human forms tonight. It was a key element to the spell that the moonlight and the water were to always be touching them each evening… 

Even when they approached a particular waterfall that fed the stream they have been following, and had ended in a seemingly dead end. Grumpy was chosen, in a disguised shroud to go and search the rocks for a hidden space that would open up to a doorway big enough for a grown man to go through with their treasures. Quasimodo carefully had to leave Fidele hidden for a moment while he took Jiminy for a closer look, to watch out for the risky Dwarf. 

Following closely behind was Frollo, of course, prepared with his massive sword, set for any surprises. The day was dimming so time was getting short. Night time travel was more dangerous… So Grumpy was snarky as he searched, even when Doc had come to assist him.

“It shouldn’t be like this ~” Doc feared before he was harshly hushed by Grumpy.

“We both knew this day would come, wou’it?” he told him in return. “… our job ain’t changin’ too much…”

“As long as they are paced -s-safe. Safe, yes! To see her falling in love, she is so besotted~” Doc went on mentioning.

“We have hope. We mustn’t let that die. Our work for them’ll pay off, we will see. If a fool like me can see it. Come, fellow fool, we haven’t much time left! The sun is leaving us behind…” he ushered as they were able to see the sky take a beautiful twilight hue.

Pressing palm against doused rocks, and walking along, the two brave men focused until Grumpy’s hand landed on a dip. Gripping some of the loose rocks, he and Doc were able to loosen the tight squeeze until rocks started to roll around them in the pool. They tumbled down in some strange order until there opened a dark passage. Quasimodo silently watched with the cricket growing intrigued at the fact that the Seven knew of this separate path. A plan had gone unknown, and glad of it. 

Faer was able to witness this opening coming true before his and Quasimodo’s very eyes. As he promised, he flew to go and speak of this to the rest of the Knighthood. To the Woodsman, his senses were honed when he felt the chill of death upon his nape and he was certain to make sure his knife was justly fastened in the holster. His heart remained for the women as it was so since first sighting. When he journeyed alone before that lone miracle by the enchanted lake, a single battle with one of these creatures nearly sealed his fate if he wasn’t so crafty in his form. Nonetheless, as night lingered close like a drape over the candlelight, danger was awakening as they went… It only in due time. 

“Father ~” Quasimodo alerted, his voice holding an embraced gravity. “… do you sense it, as I do?”

“In all certaintly, my boy. When they search the cavern, we must bring each one inside…” Claude Frollo answered as though instantly. “Not one to be touched - particularly she with the Diamond. The one who holds your eye.”

Quasimodo need not to say anything at that tenderness in his father’s voice. A rare softness that it was that even moved his heart a slight. However, he pressed on as a soldier in his own right to go and keep vigil over the entry as the two dwarfs worked as quietly as they could. After witnessing the purest form of magic ~ with the Wishing Star’s spell allowing their voices to be heard still whilst in their swan skins… The little gentleman was more precious than what met the eye, however someone certainly knew just how precious, on this front. It was all the quiet before the storm…

Keeping away from the skies was a painful thought, but evening was devilishly close now, as Grumpy and Doc stepped through into this mysterious cavern. Almost at once, when the two entered, something was hiding within, lying in wait for them… There was an emerald glow that seemed to capture both men in rapture. Unbeknownst to those awaiting outside, the two were stunned to silence, even as they tried to figure out what it was…

Grumpy held a thought at the back of his mind when he felt an odd sensation that seemed to render him still… As if he was not in control of his own body… Before he grew too enthralled, he shook away from the unnatural lull. Doc looked as if he had seen something shocking as a emerald gleam seem to almost overtake his bright brown eyes. Keeping his own gaze averted from it, the bolder Dwarf had to take his brother by the hand to yank him away from the light… It was just so when poor Odette first gazed into the waters back at the mines…

“Doc, you fool! Wake it —“ he hissed, needing to slap Doc across the face to shake him out of it.

“ - heavens, what!? I -“ Doc stammered, feeling a strange fogginess.

“Haven’t learned enough ab’wiles, did ya?” Grumpy grumbled, in spite of his relief of breaking the spell. “It was fine that we went first then,” he stated in alarm. “… she awaits in the dark. Sheild ya eyes!” he then whispered, tightly.

“I felt as if I was dreaming…” Doc remarked, blinking it off. The magic was away from his eyes, gladly.

“O’course~ nevertheless, we’ve been gettin’ too comfortable… If she is hidden along here, then it’s best if we lead them out of the skies as it is… Ravens an’ lights of all things, we have to warn them.” he told Doc as they backed up at first. 

Quasimodo’s intuition was on high alert as he did get a sense that they were not the only ones on this side of the path, and the stars were just starting to glimmer. Despite all the beauty on this night, something felt out of sorts in his heart. With Faer off to speak to the Minister who was keeping sharp guard, Quasimodo was bold enough to step out to go and search for the two brave Dwarfs who set forth for this separate pathway…

However, there came an odd ache in his heart as he approached, accompanying the knowledge that someone was there directly beside him. Keeping his back close to the rock, Quasimodo pressed forward towards the entrance of this place, with a sickening feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. At once, when he had gotten the chance, he entered into the stone archway they discovered… On high guard, the brave man entered on his own accord, knowing solely that something was deeply wrong. As he was in the middle of it, however, there was a moment when he felt a shadow over him… as though it was following him. 

It was a certain feeling that felt entirely familiar to him, which granted him the natural fear he once suffered. It felt as if the air was being stifled or sucked away, because he was finding it difficult to breathe in this awful place. According to those waiting for word, the Woodman’s absence did not sit well, along with their missing comrades. 

Out came Jiminy again, from Odette’s feathers, as he was able to walk simply along the golden necklace. When he felt a sharpness in his heart, he natural knew it was a gut feeling about the night. This had to be the most complicated of voyages to date, in his opinion… Odette lowered her head so that her bill could softly touch him, affectionately. It was her only way to provide some comfort. It was always during the night when emotions were deeply felt, and for some reason they had been feeling eyes on them ever since Mondfall. Cursed, they were, even yet… they remained beautiful captives to an invisible abuser, ever so…

It was a hint for what was to come, unfortunately… Before fear could settle into each of their hearts, that Diamond began to glow in the night. Many emotions ran through their minds while they had to wait for their own protection. As a flock, their forms all huddled within the shade of the trees as stars began to sparkle. Be still, beloved one. Do know well that I am remembering your past as well. Odette was able to hear, just as clear as Jiminy could. 

I am beginning to feel so different… the poor swan admitted, knowing this was an ongoing silence for the others. The earned a look of fear from Jiminy but he chose to hold his tongue. If he didn’t, all he could muster would be a tender sob. We are being watched as we speak… Will we ever be free? she was self reflecting in front of them all. So much so that her despair had brought Ida and Mary to her. The two sat on each side as if they were protecting a nest. If anything were to happen to the men, they had to keep their hearts strong for her. As each night passed, her mind would fade further. As much as they knew of it — her grasping to a new name alone was cause for concern. 

As stark as you feel, dear Odette, do not allow it to leak into your heart ~ never dwell in despair, as you are adored. the Fairy’s warm, milky voice drooped over her whirling thoughts like honey. You have come so far, bring your thoughts to them, towards him.

“Him…” Odette hummed, feeling her own chest warming up beneath the diamond. She curled her head down, over it, truly feeling tired. 

Do not lose yourself to despair…

Odette felt her feathers ruffle up at the loving reminder. Eleonor was the only one of them standing up, keeping vigil, while her own heart was on the fact that they were followed. Her black wings were arched as she regarded them with dismay, yet she knew of something foul in the moment. Odette was dwelling on love, as to how sacred it was on this earth. Tried as she might to remember images of her old life, but they felt forced and fragmented the more she tried to focus on them. The words of the Fairy though, were sharp in her mind, regardless… about finding what her True Home meant in spite of this. 

The Maidens were always by her, even Eleonor never ignored a thing, next to Grumpy ~ she had a deep trust in her newfound family. She had to consider them as such as this world was becoming more frightening. Jiminy happened closer, feeling her silent despair, amidst his own. As he did know that someone was seeking to take him out of the equation. “… Sweet Northern Star, who brings to those who love. A sweet fulfillment of~ a secret longing ~” he softly crooned to hopefully provide a peace of mind for the Maidens. 

There was still an impending danger…

For the sakes of them all, Quasimodo had ventured deep into the cavern, in search of the lost men ~ and Claude was not having it. Not on this night. He had taken three scouts with him to closely follow where his Woodsman had entered, after the poor Dwarfs who had seemed to have vanished into the night. Their precious guests were in painful wait as this was going on. There were five, with two missing from them…

Upon entering this stony path, what met his olive eyes was a cavern of brilliant stones, mainly of quartz and a few garnets. Along with the sound of water, it was as if there was no ill will inside this place beyond just treasure. It was a narrow path, going deeper into this wider cavern of where these stones resided. 

“Avert your gazes should any light come your way~” he warned his scouts.

“Apart from the Born, what else could be lurking in here, sire…” asked one of the scouts, with a lace of uncertainty.

“Perhaps the Darkness behind them,” Frollo was so bold to admit. “…  I greatly anticipate as much as I fear. If it were to touch Quasimodo’s eyes again, I shall bring forth my flames. As it so much to touch the Maids…”

Whoever was inside this place was meaning to disperse them ~ that was the thought in mind as they entered this vast cavern. Claude was on the hunt, and his angered inspired him to go ahead of his own men, with his sword in hand; the strength in his hand did not tire. The beauty that awaited them did not change their minds, and were not to trust a single sight until their allies were to be found and accounted for. He cursed his son’s boldness sometimes, however it was all the more blessed when it came down to it. As far as Quasimodo was concerned, the relief at the truth Cassandra had gave him, as to how safe she felt since his coming pulled him through to keep everyone she had met together. The first promise he had ever given her.

It was not only alarming but a fright when the Woodsman had come upon a still body ~ crimson tunic, and a lost cap from his head, Grumpy was laying still on the stone much to Quasimodo’s horror. Amidst crystals, the dwarf seemed like he had fallen down a ways after some kind of foulplay… as there happened to be a flesh wound on the side of brow. At once Quasimodo had gone down to him, took a gentle arm to cradle him as he turned him over, as gentle as he would to handle glass. He was blessed to hear a groan from the Dwarf’s throat… The sound made his heart want to stop, as he did fear the worst for only a moment. 

“Grumpy — please! It’s me…” he had to whisper, only in case there was a danger lurking by them. “… come now, you must wake up!”

Surprisingly, his prayer was answered when Grumpy’s calm and sound face moved as he slowly opened his eyes. It took him a moment to realize he was held in the man’s arm. His relief was so great that Quasimodo could not help but allow a smile to curve on his lips. “Be still now… I’ve got you,” he reassured his friend. 

“Damned orb -“ Grumpy choked, at once when he realized who was there at his side.

“An orb?” Quasimodo was concerned, right away. He knew what that entailed, it seemed. “… an orb of light, I take it…?” he whispered.

“Light? Aye…” Grumpy’s face looked fairly careworn as memory continued to return to him. Slowly, Quasimodo allowed him sit up when he realized… “… Doc!”

Both men got to their feet, as quick as wind when the caverns seemed to echo from something hidden among them. They were still one brother short, and there was someone with ill intent within this place. Had they passed on without knowing, this would have come over the Maidens. 

“I’s rememberin’ it, all right~ It sprung on us like a dream!” Grumpy sputtered to the Woodsman, still quite lightheaded from the fall he took. A fear overtook him, alerting Quasimodo further before he would follow him down deeper into the cavern. Untying something from his belt only for the knighthood to recognize, as he knew that leaving the Flock in any capacity was dangerous. Above all, no one was to be lost on this damned voyage. Beyond that, he took one of the rags he always kept on himself and stuck it on one of stalagmites near them on this rocky path.

“I caught a glimpse of this swan - this blackin’!” Grumpy proceeded to tell the Woodsman. “… I’s saw her face…” he continued as they were to search for their lost companion.

“Do you speak of the one Odette had seen, as with the others had?” he questioned, sharper than he intended as he did feel a shrill stab in his chest as he heard it.

“She landed in front o’me, in this vision ~ she opened her wings. Her eyes aglow like emeralds. A’ she rose up, changed herself … into a woman. Splendidly tall f’r a woman - she wore all black an’ noble.”

Quasimodo’s naturally widened with paranoia whilst scanning the cavern alone. “Black and noble, as she often carries herself… Grumpy, did this woman speak to you…?”

“She was null on that, aye… Eyes seethed with hate, they did…” Grumpy’s voice wavered slightly, as even he felt a natural fear for this enemy. “If we were to come close to her swans agin’ - she were to kill.” he whispered, with a growing anger. “… to kill us.”

“She is certain that she can claim lives as her own ~ which includes ours. It is her way…”

“You have mentioned another, besides Queen Grimilde…” Grumpy feared. “It’s she, aye?”

“Based on what you described to me, yes… I fear it to be truer now.” Quasimodo remarked, in a tensed whisper matching the bold Dwarf’s. 

Of course, their close conversation had to be silenced when there came a deep rumble from the cave. “We must haste, she could use your brother as a pawn…” he whispered at last before they both began to leap and trek to the lowest part of the cave. Magic had them within its thrall, which made it all the more important to keep their minds as sharp as shattered glass. 

While he came to that single conclusion, Claude Frollo drew nearer on a separate path, alas. The caverns drew high, at once when the Magistrate tore out first with his sword set, only to find an empty space of beauty and the unknown. A direct representation of the unprecedented future before his eyes, other than the fear he felt for Quasimodo and the two missing men. Tears threatened the corners of his eyes, daring not to land on that thought, especially after the fray after the Voice’s life. After their Cassandra’s life, as with her adopted flock… Nonetheless, his expectations went no farther when a dark creature had dared to meet him. Bone and dust, with a hidden strength had seemed to smash against his blade — It was as though Frollo had struck against stone. 

An armored beast of bones had thrown itself to gain a hold around the man’s throat, in spite of being sliced through by the long blade. With a strained growl, he had to shove it off with a single kick to it, having it tumble down the rocks directly off the path. That was a mere warning…

To his and his men’s horror, there happened to be an ambush, as if lying in wait!

“All arms! Keep your hands level with your eyes!” he belted out, as more lifeless ghouls came out with full force at the knighthood who all collided with marrow and steal, before blood was nearly spilled when one of the soldiers had nearly fallen off the ledge. 

A fourth ran out, with a gaping jaw, in a silent scream withh armor rusted and dripping with an unknown green substance as if they had been risen only moments ago. Sharpened and honed for another attack, Frollo gave a strong grunt and yelled out in order to shove the coming onslaught ~ not before unleashing what he kept inside the pouch on his belt. A pursuit of vicious flames had shot out at the enemies, as with pure abandon. All this began to happen while the rest of the Seven men waited in a sort of agony. Odette was in a silent terror knowing something had gone down over their entrusted men along with the ache of her body~ as it was with all of their bodies. 

Unable to change with the break of the moonrise did not agree with them, as there seemed to be a rooted need to be with the water but it was too late. Even with the diamond warming up like the sun against her feathers, Odette curled her head around it taking in the reassurance that came with it. Along with the agony filling Quasimodo’s own mind that Grumpy was almost numb to. In the midst of this place, this battle, a frightening vision lit up before his eyes of seeming to be standing in another place completely, fairly against his own will in obvious fashion, as he was overly startled by what he was seeing. 

Naturally, Quasimodo curled for cover with his arms over his face and head as if to evade something, much to Grumpy’s terror. Frantic, he went to the man who came to his aid, with the exact same goal but it seemed that he wasn’t even acknowledged by the brave deformed man. There came the feeling that prickled his mind so sharply, and welled in his chest so constrictingly that he gasped out.

“Quasimodo! What’s gone on ya!?” Grumpy asked, with a protective rage leaking into his voice. As much as he tried to move the man’s arm from his face, he was too strong.

— Sharpened was this vision, as it pieced him like a knife against his skull. Sharp imagery of white, the chill of winter and a great burning in his muscles… He tried as he might to open his eyes to see only to find he was running as fast he could through the deepness of snow and hail, amidst rain. He felt the sensation of running, as if he was on all fours —

With all the mental strength he had, Quasimodo pushed out of this with feirce growl before he shook the trance from his mind. The vision dispersed into nothing, and he found himself returned to the present moment. Breathless and broken, Quasimodo blinked only to find a frightened Grumpy slowly backing from him as if he had tried to lunge him. Holding a hand over his brow, Quasimodo’s terror lurched his chest as his breath was caught, in the midst of a short panic. However, once he saw where he was, he calmed, much to Grumpy’s relief. Even at the comforting hand of his companion, Quasimodo’s eyes fell upon one of the crystals embedded in the path, picking up on the detail that it was glowing. While keeping an eye on it, he shook off the terror that rattled his bones. As soon as it all passed, his brow furrowed after this soft reminder as he stroked over the stone. 

Even now, Doc had to be found, and both men were filled with terror about losing him on top of all this. Grumpy weakly kneeled down on a knee, almost condemned to tears as if for the first time before Quasimodo. Only that only made both of their hearts ever more determined. 

“We all must arrive together in the end,” Quasimodo passionately promised, to rise the spirit in the brave dwarf, as all that was a mere threat. All that he knew thus far.