Wisp - A Scarecrow's Tale

Chapter 5 - Caged

Wander's gaze fell on Niki, the little crow's eyes full of tears as she spoke with Niki and the rest of the murder. "So, what happens now?"

"Now I have to somehow get someone to look into this whole mess. If there's enough evidence that the murder was responsible, the lot of 'em get shipped off to Paena," Theodore said, "There's a proper court there, where they'll be tried. If they're found guilty and the wisps aren't recovered, they might be stuck inside cells for a long time."

"Then again," said Mayor Blumfeld, a thoughtful look in his eyes, "perhaps your arrival presents us with another option."

"Me? What can I do?" Wander asked.

"Investigate," Mayor Blumfeld said immediately. "Talk with the townsfolk, check the fountain for clues ... hopefully find our missing wisps."

Theodore added, "Search what's left of the murder's campsite, and ask questions of everyone you think might be involved ... prod buttock, as an old friend once told me."

"And people will listen to me?" Wander asked.

"Of course! You're a scarecrow!" Theo said as though that explained everything. When Wander hesitated, Theo continued, "Look, Mavis had most of the town on her side, but when they saw you just bein' with a crow ... well, you saw how shocked they all were, yeah?"

"They were surprised because I'm a scarecrow?" Wander said, feeling more confused than ever.

"That's right. Nuthin' more honest than a scarecrow. Everyone knows that," Theo said.

The mayor nodded in agreement. "And who knows? You attracted one wisp. Maybe the others will find you too. Even if the murder is guilty, getting the wisps back would definitely help lighten their sentence."

Wander looked to Niki and the rest of the imprisoned harpies. Many of them looked tired and even more seemed hopeless. All were thin as though they hadn't eaten well in some time. Only the one Niki called Gran was smiling, and even her smile fell as she looked up and met Wander's gaze.

"Pay favors ahead, boy," whispered a familiar voice in Wander's mind as he looked at Gran, "Trust me, it always comes back to ya in the end."

Wander didn't know where the voice came from, but he knew deep in his straw that the words were true. "I'll do it."

The mayor grabbed his hand and shook it, a relieved smile on his mousy face. "Thank the Solarius for you, friend! I'll see that the paperwork is all filled out and you're supplied with whatever you need! You just focus on the investigation!"

With that, the mayor hurried from the lockup with a spring in his step all too familiar for anyone who has gotten themselves out of an unpleasant responsibility. Theo hopped off his desk and motioned for Wander to follow him. Silence greeted them as they stepped out of the deafening field; the crows were all watching them, waiting for what was to come.

"Wander?" Niki asked as they drew near, her eyes fearful.

"Your scarecrow friend has agreed to investigate the theft of the wisps," said Theodore.

"I'll do my best," Wander promised them, Merry zooming excitedly around the top of his hat.

A surprised murmur ran through the flock. Many wore expressions of uncertainty and doubt, but quite a few looked hopeful, Gran included.

"I'm going too!" Niki said immediately, moving out of Gran's grasp.

Shaking his head, Theodore said, "I don't think that's a good idea, miss. You might have noticed the rest of the folk around here aren't exactly being reasonable. Some might try and take the law into their own hands again."

"But-" Niki began.

"He's right," said Gran, "You should stay here with us, where it's safe."

"No, Gran!" Niki turned back to face the elder harpy. "I wanna help prove that it wasn't us!"

"I know, sweetie, but you heard the sheriff; the people here are dangerous." Gran gently rubbed Niki's cheek. "If something were to happen to you-"

"It won't," Wander said, putting a hand on Niki's shoulder. "I'll keep her safe. I promise."

"He will," Theodore said, grinning. "Kid called a scythe on me when I tried to get your little one. If he can manifest a defiance, there ain't nuthin' out there gonna give them much trouble."

"He manifested a defiance to protect Niki?" Gran said, a shocked look on her face. When Theodore nodded, she looked to Wander and asked, "Why would you do this, scarecrow?"

"Well, I thought she was in danger so I-"

"No, I mean ... why help us? Any of us? It's no secret what most of the Realm thinks of us."

"Why should that matter?" Wander asked, tilting his head to the side questioningly.

"Because people say we're thieves and kidnappers," Gran said evenly. "Degenerates that pollute their towns and steal their children ... foul, dark things not to be trusted."

"Yeah? And are you any of those things?"

Gran seemed taken aback, either by the question and the unabashed way that Wander asked it. "No, we're not."

"Then what's it matter what people say?" said Wander with a shrug. "Helping people shouldn't be about what someone is; just that they need help. Frankly, I'm gettin' the impression you need all the help you can get right now."

Gran let out a small chuckle. "That we do. Very well, Mister Wander; I leave my granddaughter in your care."

"Much obliged, ma'am." Wander tipped his hat at her before turning to Theodore, Merry, and Niki and asking, "So, we gonna get this started or what?"

A bemused smile on his face, Theodore said, "After you."