The Gratitude of Tamma

This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc

Mitch's phone synced to the LCD monitor of the vehicle, revealing a young woman no older than 18. She wore a red dress and a nervous, yet kind smile. The advanced technology of Mitch's phone and the rental car allowed the young woman to see the passengers as well.

"Hi, is this Mitch Damean, Cerissa, Rick Diamond, and Essie?" The young woman asked. "Also known as the Pirate and his crew, associates of Hugh's hero network?"

"That would be us." Mitch smiled warmly, his comrades doing the same. "And that would make you Tamma Aplonica, the daughter of Jahno Aplonica, who is the mayor of the aptly named small town of Aplonica."

"That would be correct." Tamma smiled sweetly. "Thank you so much for answering my request for help. My father and I don't see eye to eye on our situation, and I felt helpless before Hugh offered to send you our way."

"Yeah, Hugh told us that this request is from you alone." Rick commented. "I am personally happy to help someone in need, but does your father know we are coming to town?"

"I'm sorry Rick, he does not." Tamma replied in a tone that was a mix of apologetic and ashamed as tears began to fall. "I feel terrible for going against my father's wishes, but his plan of giving in to our tormentor is choking the good people of our town. It is getting harder and harder to pay the monster off. We will get some additional income from the visiting convention attendees that will be here in a couple weeks, but it still won't be enough. Our people deserve better than this, and we can't get them what they need without outside help."

"We'll work on winning over your father, and even if we don't succeed, we won't abandon you or your fellow townspeople." Cerissa said reassuringly.

"We've got your back Tamma, you don't need to cry anymore." Essie added tenderly.

"Thank you.... thank you so much." Tamma answered as she dried her tears. "I haven't even met you in person yet, but I can tell everything Hugh told me about you all is true."

"We're happy to be of service." Mitch grinned. "We still have some time to go before we arrive. So Tamma, can you tell us some more about this monster that has been holding your people hostage?"

To be continued....