Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

“Give me that, you bloody fool. You’re gonna cut your thumb off.”

“Leave me be, I can do it meself with no ‘elp from the likes of you.”

The argument continued, disturbing Alex from her dreams. Not wanting her new guards to know that she was awake she feigned sleep. Her head was throbbing and her body ached from being in the same position too long.

“I tell ya, she’s got some sort of leather on underneath that web. I ‘erd Jolk talkin’ ‘bout it at dinner”

“Let’s just take the shoes an’ be done with ‘er. They’ll be lookin’ for ‘er ‘ere soon. I don’t want ta ‘ave a run in with that dragon thing, ‘e’s bad to the bones, that one is.”

“Awe, quit your complainin’ an’ ‘elp me get these things off.”

Alex felt something tugging on her boots, finally freeing one of them. Anger boiled up inside of her ‘I’ve lost my family, my horse, saddle bags, and guns – you’re not taking my boots.’ Stewing silently, she kept her eyes shut.

“I don’t care what ya say, I’m cutting ‘er loose. I want them leather britches.”

Alex felt tugging at her web bindings accompanied by cool air on her body. She repressed the urge to stretch.

“Blimey! You were right, Sted, the dame’s got leather on.”

Opening her eyes just a slit she observed the situation. There were two brownish-green things in the cavern, they reminded her of the scum on stagnant water and smelled just as bad. One of the things was studying her boot. Both creatures were smaller than she was but she did not underestimate their strength. ‘Strong but dumb, always a bad combination’ she thought.

As one of them knelt down to cut off her chaps she saw her opportunity. Quickly, she brought up her knee, meeting the creature square in the chest and throwing it back against the floor. Jumping up she snatched her boot from the still shocked Sted, slashing him across the face with the spur. Yellow blood oozed from the wound and he howled in pain. Jamming her foot into the boot she ran for the opening of the cave.

“Grab ‘er !” Yelled Sted, clutching a grubby hand to his face.

The other thing had already recovered and was quickly at her side. Grabbing a handful of hair he threw her back into the cavern. Alex landed on her backside but swiftly got to her feet. Standing with her fists drawn she waited for the assault. Sted, intent on revenge, approached her first. Instantly, she jabbed with her right fist, breaking the creature’s nose and causing more yellow blood to flow.

“I’m gonna rip your bloody ‘ead off!” he screamed as he cupped his nose between his hands, tears rolling down his face from the pain.

“I’ve got ya covered, Sted,” the other thing leaped across the room landing on top of Alex.

Punching, kicking, and clawing she finally worked her way free. She was covered in yellow blood and smelled like an outhouse but she was free. Seeing her chance, she sprinted for the opening, leaving the two creatures moaning and cursing on the floor.

Alex darted into a side passage and pressed her back against the dark rock wall trying to get her bearings. She had no idea how to get out of this place but she had to try. Looking about she saw that the passage was empty except for the thump-thump of the drum. Taking a guess, she decided to go right and hope for the best.