Kringl (Rescued by the Alien)

Chapter 21

Chapter

Twenty-One

K ringl's words died on his lips as he jerked upright, his gaze flying to the window above as Snowball soared through the opening. The snow squirrel landed deftly on his shoulder, chattering furiously.

Tami's face appeared in the window, her eyes wide and unblinking. Joy reached her arms up, calling out, "We've got you. Come on."

The girl tried to squeeze through, her fingers going white on the windowsill, but it was clear she was being pulled back by someone inside. Joy's panic was palpable as the sounds from within the workshop indicated that more than a few elves had discovered the intruder.

Kringl knew they had mere moments before the elves would swarm outside. With a burst of strength, he jumped vertically, grabbed Tami’s arms and yanked her body through the window. She fell onto him, and he collapsed back into the snow.

Joy quickly pulled the girl to her feet and motioned for him to follow. “We have to go.”

Snowball scampered ahead, his white fur blending into the snow as he led the way from the workshop and back to the village.

Kringl jumped to his feet as Tami stumbled and almost face-planted in the snow. He didn’t know what had happened inside the workshop, but it seemed clear that fear was making her legs wobbly. Without hesitation, Kringl scooped her up and began to run, cradling her against his chest. The angry shouts of elves echoed behind them as they fled, ducking behind village buildings.

Joy ran ahead with Snowball, her breath coming in short gasps and sending clouds over her head. "I don't think we'll make it to my house.”

She was right. The big, angry shouts were getting closer. Even if they did reach the house, they would be seen going in.

Suddenly, a back door in the long stretch of village shops opened. A voice called out, "In here. You'll be safe."

Kringl didn't think twice before darting with Joy into the building. As he sucked in a breath that was now warm, he peered around. They appeared to be in the kitchen of a bakery, facing a man with a thick mustache that almost entirely covered his upper lip. The rustic space had wooden walls and large, ancient-looking ovens. Flour dusted the worktables, and the air was heavy with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread and sugary pastries.

He set Tami down and eyed the man who’d saved them. A man who did not seem at all surprised by his presence.

Joy began to explain why they’d been running, but the baker waved off her words. "I would never betray you.”

While Joy seemed hesitant, Tami had no such reservations. "We're trying to sabotage the elves and Velsnickel.”

The baker's eyes widened, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Then consider me part of your effort.” Turning to Kringl, he held out a hand. "I'm Tom."

Kringl started to introduce himself, but Tom cut him off with a grin. "I know who you are."

Kringl took his hand, remembering the human custom of jiggling hands and gave the man’s hand a thorough shake.

Tom chuckled as he took back his hand. “I assume you are the reason for the screaming elves?”

“We didn’t do anything,” Joy said. “Not yet.”

“No need to apologize.” Tom glanced toward the front of his shop. “There is no love lost between me and those creatures, although I suppose I should be grateful for the ingredients they provide me. I would not be able to bake without their supplies.”

Kringl frowned. It was the first time he wondered how the village had such a constant source for food and supplies. The planet appeared barren, aside from a few woodland animals. He’d seen no evidence of secret farms or livestock pens.

He had so many questions, but he doubted now was the time. Just like it was not the time to talk to Joy. He’d tried to talk to her outside the workshop, but his efforts had been thwarted. Now they were surrounded by even more people.

As Tom bustled around, closing shutters and locking the front door of the bakery, Kringl found himself stealing glances at Joy. She looked shaken but also determined, which made his chest swell. She was as brave as any shield maiden he’d encountered on warrior planets.

Kringl wanted nothing more than to pull her aside and tell her his feelings, but did he have any right when his circumstances hadn’t changed? Besides, they had a mission to focus on, and apparently a new co-conspirator to bring up to speed.

As they stood around one of the flour-dusted work tables, Tami looked between them and put her hands on her hips. "So, do you want to know what I saw in the workshop?"