RMW
Act Two
Wicked Girl
~*~
Chapter Ten
Compelling Danger
~SV~
Outside Blackstone Castle wall, Dark, 677, 26th, October
Kolo glares into the guard’s eyes, “Do not scream.” He grabs Whitey’s arm and sinks his fangs in again, drinking deeply. Lola sneers, “You gorging gluttonous goat; remember to leave him enough blood so he can find us more, you putrid pathetic pig!” When Kolo is stronger, he stops. Lola scratches Kolo’s face, taking his blood, as he chuckles, “Cold hearted cow, it is not even January, and you are acting blood thirsty.” Lola uses Kolo’s blood on Whitey.
She closes the guard’s wounds; Kolo rubs his healing cheek. He compels Whitey, “Go find some Human Guards, to bring to me.” Floating over, Lola stops Whitey, “How long will Anthony be gone?” The Guard replies, “Likely a few days.” He leaves and Lola sneers, “I have done enough.” Kolo calls after her, “Come back. Your guard is uncertain.” Hesitantly, she stops. Kolo adds, “You leave; you lose.” Lola whips around, coming back with terms.
The Shade huffs, “I am willing to give you a night or two here in this valueless vile village. But when she shows, you admit you were wrong and start spending time on what I want.” He nods, “Once Sidonia falls asleep, if she is here, we can bring her out.” As Lola comes into him, Kolo fears his control of Sidonia is over, and it hurts, as much as if she were stolen from him.
Lola senses his feelings and snickers, “If you fail, know that I will deal with her… my way.” Kolo hisses, “I must have the book first and she is not yours to have.” Lola sneers, “Then I leave.” Kolo fumes, “Fine. Stay, you conniving vicious Shade.”
~*~
Sidonia’s dreams were as dark as her day, as she watches a man go into a crypt, a few hours after sunset. He says, “Leticia, I am here.” The female Vampire, steps out of the shadows, “Come to me Kristopher!” He rushes to her arms kissing her. They begin to undress each other. The young Oracle wakes herself, before having to see if they were passionate. Sidonia sits up gasping, and realizes she knows Leticia. Collapsing back in bed, Sidonia cringes.
It has her worrying what Kolo might have done with her. The dark girl groans at Fate, “What is the point of showing me that?” Rolling over, Sidonia manages to fall back asleep. She dreams of Kolo, as he coaxes, ‘I promise to explain. Come to me, all will be good again. I am not angry; I only worry for you.’ Sidonia fights his will, ‘I want nothing to do with you. You are in love with Samala.’ Cleverly, Kolo instead imagines her dancing in the Castle’s garden.
The dark girl feels free, as she twirls by her flowers in the moonlight. The closer Sidonia comes to the south wall the stronger Kolo’s power is. He is a very ‘Compelling Danger’ bringing her toward her doom. He urges, ‘Come to the gate, you want me to explain.’ She resists, yet he knows her weakness. Kolo cries out, “You are in grave danger! You are too young to survive your first death and will certainly die, if you do not let me help you!”
~*~
Dark Elf’s Desert Castle, Night, 677, 26th, October
The two opposing elf parties sit across from each other in a pensive silence, awaiting the arbitrators. Suddenly they learn why they are waiting until after dark as Anthony, Edmund, Ormando, and three of their Vampire Squads enter, giving dark looks to all. There are audible gasps from guards and royalty as well, at the Vampires unexpected and highly unusual arrival.
King Haldir grins at the Light Elves’ shudders of fear, as they stare in awe and respect, at whom he has convinced to mediate the charges against them. The vampires’ movements are unlike any others in this realm. Being mystical, the elves see some Vampires try to move a little slower, even though they sense more than see their quick movements, it causes the Vampires’ steps to look eerie.
The Vampires seem to be gliding in a harsh sharp way, rather than walking. The room holds a gloom, which makes Queen Vanna and her son believe this is a harbinger of their deaths. Even King Bailey is disturbed by this turn of events. King Anthony and Earl Ormando sit north of the two, and the Strigoi Squads sit to the south. Earl Edmund keeps moving around, behind everyone.
Anthony is nearest to the Light Elves, with Ormando at his left by the Dark Elves. Haldir nods, “High Lord of the Vampires, King Anthony Vlasac you may begin.” Anthony starts, “We were asked here by King Haldir to mediate this unfortunate event. I shall assist on behalf of the accused, while Ormando will assist the plaintive. Please proceed, King Haldir.” The Light Elves are speechless with fear, as they all still stare at the vampires in silence.
~*~
Blackstone Castle, Dark, 677, 26th, October
Donatello Patrols from the top of the stone walkway around the Fortress, which encloses the Castle. He comes from the north side turning onto the east wall to come to the south riverside. As he nears the southeast corner, he sees shadows under a tree outside the grounds. There is a blue mist form, and a red-haired male; he follows their intense gaze to an upper floor of Blackstone Castle.
It appears that they are looking toward the darkened windows of Princess Sidonia’s bedroom; he flips out his black wings, flying to her locked balcony door. Becoming mist, Donatello dares flow under it, seeing her empty bed and room. Now solid, he unlatches her balcony door; bringing his wings out he flies out of her third-floor room. He goes over the garden’s seven hundred square foot grounds of shrubs, trees, ponds, and statues. Donatello hopes she is there.
Going south, he nears the back third; there he sees Samala’s large ornate empty crypt up ahead. As he passes the shrubs beyond the mausoleum, Donatello now sees Sidonia, she is on the far side of the Crypt, with her hair swirling around her. Wondering how he missed seeing her on his way over the garden to her balcony, he is more concerned as she nears the garden gate, by the Castle’s pier.
Donatello sees her exit the less used, unguarded South Gate, leaving it open behind her. Outside the protective barrier, she walks up the stone pathway along the river. Her guard recalls the two under the trees, fear pushes him to hurry, not liking the idea of her meeting with them, especially when alone. Landing at the gate, her guard blurs out, rushing in front of the Princess; he halts her.
Instead of being startled, the dark girl accuses him, “What do you want?” Frowning Donatello says, “Sorry Princess Sidonia, I must stop you, because I cannot let you leave the grounds by yourself. Where are you going?” She steps around him. He grabs her elbow, “Let me escort you back to your room.” The Dark Princess yanks her arm away, stating angrily, “Do not ever, touch me!”
Surprised, Donatello now fears that he has offended the Princess; she demands, “Explain yourself.” Her guard is speechless, as to what he can say. Sidonia fumes, “What is the threat to my life?” This further confuses him, until Donatello sees her eyes are not focused on him and he starts to suspect; then she adds, “Kolo, either tell me the truth or leave me alone!” Now fear grips him.
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~*~
Lola gasps, “See! Now try denying I am right!” Lola floats out of him to his right side, and flips back her hair exposing her power bars. Kolo holds his right hand behind her; his veins bulge and darken as he brings a flame to his palm and it disperses her mist, which is in front of his fire. Lola whips around and screams at him, “Stop that! You know I hate how that feels, when you do that.”
She moves to his left; it gives him a grin, at getting her to comply. He asks, “Where?” She points, softly suggesting, “Use your good eye, Sidonia is outside the grounds, go get her.” Now seeing her, Kolo says, “Could be a maid; besides if it is her, she will come to us.” Lola curses, “Demons! Now a Vampire Guard is there, he is taking her back in. You lazy lurking lizard, go grab her from him!”
~*~
Donatello, is unable to recall anyone named Kolo. Sidonia scoffs, “Actually, I no longer care to hear your lies.” She becomes dizzy as her guard gently retakes her arm; it seems like she is sleep walking, she whispers, “I cannot wait; he calls to me.” Donatello glimpses her bare feet, pulling her cloak aside. He sees she is dressed in only her nightgown, knowing she would never leave like this.
It confirms her guard’s suspicions, as he groans at what this means; ‘Sidonia is in a trance.’ Donatello turns her toward the Castle. She tries to pull away, as he leads her through the Castle’s South Gate. Stopping, the dark girl is furious, “Just leave me be and I will have no reason to tell Father.” Donatello grabs the inside handle of the garden gate; glad it is copper and does not shock him.
As he closes the gate, Princess Sidonia pulls away, trying to leave again. Her guard gets her to look him in the eyes, phasing to a Vampire his eyes darken, Donatello demands, “Wake up.” The dark girl looks around in fear; her tone is dire, “Oh no, I nearly went to him again! I denied it, thinking I was weak, and just wanted him to fix this. The Evil One calls me, convincing me to obey. I cannot fight his power.” Donatello says, “I will keep you in the Castle.”
Her eyes close, she sways, as she opens them, Sidonia is back in the trance, “I made a grave error; you lied. I know why you want the book!” Donatello asks, “What book? What was his lie?” She scoffs, “His? You lied about having no powers, so do not try to deny that you desire Samala; I heard you. I will never trust you now, nor ever give you anything!” Donatello has a slight sense of relief.
It sounds as if the fiend does not desire the Princess. Yet, the mention of her crazed mother makes him cringe. He has recognized her trance; it means a blood connection with the one outside the wall. His eyes glow as he demands, “Sidonia!” More alert, she pleads, “Kolo says he is the only one who can save me, and I will die if I stay.” He scoffs, “You know he lies! Save you from what?” She admits, “I-I do not know, he will not tell me.” He fears for her.
Donatello softly assures, “Kolo is the only threat. You are safe if you stay in the Fortress. I am saving you from disappointing your father. He wants me to protect you.” He is ready to tell her all. Sidonia looks weakened, and whispers, “I do not want to go, I am trying to fight it. I am so afraid of him. I cannot tell anyone of him, or even say his name, he vows he will hear and come to kill us all!”
Her guard wants to confront Kolo; however, he is not the Vampire Donatello saw in the carriage, he has no proof of any wrongdoing. Mostly he is unsure of confronting him when alone, and he dares not leave her as she is not completely lucid. He says, “Do not be afraid. I will stay, to protect you.” She faints; catching her, he lifts the Princess. He flies back into her open balcony door.
Her guard lays the dark sleeping girl back on her bed. Seeing a key on a chain around her neck, he takes it. Donatello latches the balcony door, and finds her inside door is locked. He mists under it, to go report to Captain Tik, and get some help.
~*~
Kolo sighs, “She is gone.” Lola scoffs, “A tiny tip-toeing turtle could have got to her in time.” He gives a mocking chuckle, “The Guard will tell her, so compelling her was pointless. I am getting blood and going to the cottage.” Lola says, “You are forgetting that the white-haired guard is still bringing you blood.” She points, “See he has two more Humans. Stay long enough to finish compelling them.” Lola softens, “Then we can leave.”
He groans, “It is little help, when it takes up the energy, I just gained to compel them!” She laughs, “Oh you poor weak weasel-ly whiner.” Lola floats back into him, so she can help Kolo as he glamours the guards. Kolo asks, “Are there more Human Guards to compel?” Whitey says, “Todd and Captain Heg are all; Master.”
Calling him ‘master’ has Kolo grinning, “Leave Heg out of it and I do not care about Todd; we are done.” Scratching Kolo, Lola heals the guard. Thomas groans rubbing his eyes, then has the ability to see Lola, he screams. Kolo rushes to command him, “Quiet.”
~*~
Donatello informs his Captain, “I found her in a trance.” Tik goes pale with terror, as her guard adds, “I saw a male beyond the wall compelling her. It may be linked to Anthony’s conflict. You must send the High Lord a missive to warn him. Let King Anthony know of the danger to Princess Sidonia. If you send men right now, I think we can surround the foe and capture him.” Tik’s eyes go wide.
The Captain stresses, ‘I will be found out. I cannot hide my weak condition in a fight and will die. What if they learn I stay up during the day, to be near Sidonia!’ Captain Tik shakes, Donatello is confused by Tik’s look of fear, urging, “I believe he will lead us to the Vampire that killed his driver earlier; they might be working together.” Tik’s rage at this threat of being exposed brings his mist.
Tik’s veins bulge darkening, as he spits, “You think to tell me what to do?” Donatello steps back, salutes him, and tries to take back his mistake, “Of course not, sir. Sorry, I overstepped my station. I should only state the facts, then wait for your orders.”
~*~
Kolo mocks Lola, “See what using my blood to heal him causes?” She scoffs, “Better than letting the Vampire Guards see that the Human Guards were bitten, and my possessing them causes the same. I still have time to go home, before light.” Weak and fearful of Anthony without her, Kolo replies, “Fine. Then I claim victory and I keep Sidonia.” She hisses, “You realize you are not up to a fight?”
Reassuring himself, he sneers, “Only humans can come during the day; I can handle-.” He points, “Oh look, her guard is at the Front Gate; help me try for Sidonia again.” Lola agrees, “Fine, we sleep in the pathetic cottage.” She enters; Kolo snickers, “I feel it working; yes, this time she will come to us, for he cannot stop her.”
~*~
Donatello sees the fury in Tik’s eyes. It is the same as his original House; he took too much initiative causing anger in his superiors. He dislikes not thinking for himself, just so his leader can do it for him. Her guard is good at following rules and orders when they make sense. Donatello is now angry with himself and feels like he will be disappointing High Lord Anthony, if dismissed by Tik.
Captain Tik’s self-preservation, is stronger than his obsession and need to keep Sidonia safe, “If you say a word to the demon High Lord, I will tell him you help pass their love letters.” Donatello scoffs, “I intend to tell Anthony of my part in it myself. I prefer the consequences to letting anything happen to Princess Sidonia.” Tik threatens, “No. You will hold your tongue, or I will remove it!”
Donatello knows any rebuttal at this point might get him dismissed, and then he cannot watch over Sidonia. Tik’s face shows his fury, “No one is informing the King that we failed to do the job.” Donatello disagrees, yet stays silent. Fuming, Tik spits, “Even worse that we enabled a foe to endanger her while he is gone. It will cause our deaths. You are so stupid you do not see your own failures!”
Trying to concede, Donatello assures him, “Take my tongue, if you fear I shall tell, just let me guard her. I will not let her be at risk just to save pride or position here, sir.” Tik wants his head, yet fears for the Princess, as Donatello adds, “I do not believe Anthony will fault us. Still, I will take the blame for the Princess’s actions.” Suddenly Donatello feels Tik’s dagger sink in his side cutting his rib.
Donatello fights to not phase, feeling it will provoke Tik. His captain orders, “You think taking your tongue and dismissing you are the worst that shall happen to you?” Threatening him, Tik scoffs, “This is for all of us, not just you. Yes, watch her until the High Lord returns; then bring her to him in her trance.” He nods; doubting him, Tik’s spittle flies, “Say nothing of her letters and late-night walks. Breathe a word more to Anthony, and I will kill you myself.”
Her guard nods. Tik demands, “What did she tell you about those notes?” He answers, “She is paying a messenger to take them to the town Apothecary and Bookshop.” Tik scoffs, “You believed her?” Donatello states, “I had no reason not to. Until it occurred to me there was no name on it.” Tik huffs, “So?” Her guard explains, “Her Messenger needs to open it to learn which shop it is for.”
Snorting, Tik asks, “Why would Sidonia care if he sees a shopping list?” He shrugs, “She sealed it, and it was not my place to ask.” Scoffing, Tik adds, “Even after she ran back here chased by a dog, which we never saw nor heard?” He shrugs. Tik spits, “Exactly, you helped with her lies, failing to report it, and now we cannot risk admitting any of it to the King.” Tik pounds a finger in his chest, “Stop trying to think your way out of this, I am smarter than you.”
Tik grins, “Just follow my orders.” Donatello nods; but his silence has Tik certain he will cause his own faults and obsession to be exposed. Tik seethes, “What do you think you can do? You have no dark window nor missive messenger to warn his Lord Hind-ass! No authorization for the realm gateway or power to open Anthony’s dark gate! You cannot go in daylight; and I will kill you if you try!”
~RMW~