Chapter Text
The Piper stands in a clearing, surrounded by roughly a hundred children ranging from five to sixteen all under a sleeping spell for convenience’s sake.
He really can't take this many back to the Fae Realm, especially since he hasn't actually gotten authorization from the Queen.
However, letting them go would undermine his reputation. perhaps he could nudge sixty or so to escape? Ten was the most people usually brought back; twenty would be pushing it, but manageable.
They went too far from town; maybe more would have snuck off a bit closer.
first things first was to find out who is related to who, and who would actually want to become Fae. It's always more difficult when they are unwilling. Releasing them from the spell, the Piper waited for the children to awaken.
Speaking to the just awakened children from atop a fallen tree the Piper tried to come across as a friendly threat. It would be a pain if they were to scared.
“Hello! If you all try to stay calm and cooperate none of you will be harmed or otherwise taken care off.” Of course he wouldn't actually harm them, gods know his father would scold him terribly if he hurt a child. Much less a hundred or so of them. It made a good threat though.
Unfortunately, most of the children looked rather panicked and fearful, understandable but very undesired.
Sighing he continued, “first off, find your friends and family. Go sit together with them.” The children scramble to find each other, siblings reunited and friends sticking close. A few were left unattended, presumably the friendless and only children.
Cursing himself, the Piper spots a familiar one. The thieving child sat with two others, carefully in front of them and looking much more angry than any kind of fearful. Brave little thing.
Ignoring it for now, he takes stock of the groups. It would be easiest to get rid of the majority now, less to deal with.
So, he gives them an option, “We shall set up camp, and those who wish may return to town. By morning I take whoever is left to the Fae Realm. If you do leave, you must not tell anyone where we are or horrible things shall befall you.”
He really hopes none of them take that chance, he doesn’t particularly feel like coming up with appropriately terrible, but not enough to earn ire, consequences.
Damn his brother and his orphan murdering. He would curse his fathers soft spot for children, but then he would not be half as fortunate as he is now.
Turning his mind back to the children he sees several groups get up. Some making a run for it, others back away slowly until out of sight. A few smaller ones hesitate, before following (or being dragged by) siblings and friends out of the woods.
During the night several more disappear. Come morning, the Piper is left with only around thirty children, those who stayed.
“We will be entering the Fae realm soon, and after that, the court of the Queen. Which of you are fourteen or older?” A few hands raise, including the child and his companions. “Fabulous, you're old enough in Fae society to work and obtain lodgings. Younger than that and you shall be assigned a caretaker.”
This would all be sorted out by the Queen of course, who decides where, or even if, they are allowed in. Unfortunately, as the one who brought them he will likely be saddled with finding them all proper conditions. This would have been easier if the Mayor had just paid him, or the flute had worked right and only brought a few children.
In any case, he could not have stopped his spell and tried again, due to the fear factor, respect, reputation, and all. His brother will have an incredible time teasing him about this when he returned home.
With much ground to cover and not enough time to dally, the Piper sets off with the new Fae to be in tow.