RMW
Chapter Sixteen
Hello, Naughty Neighbor
~SV~
Sidonia’s Bedroom, Dark 2:30 AM, 677, 28th, October
As Donatello puts the key in his pocket, Sidonia wakes and gasps, “Why did you lock me in a cell?” He says, “The Guards are coming for you. I doubt they will seek you here. I need blood and a weapon.” Prince Viktor offers, “I can take you to both, in a way that will keep them from seeing us.” Her guard nods, “Show me.” He follows Viktor out; leaving Grekan to reassure the Princess.
Tired, Sidonia says in a dire tone, “Locked up like a mad woman.” She collapses back onto the mattress, leaving Grekan alone. Prince Viktor takes Donatello up the back stairs the servants use. As they enter the royal quarters and near the corner; they stop, hearing the Guards down the hall, “She is not in her room! Help me look for the book.” After searching her room, they just shrug.
Whitey fumes, “Crap, the book is not here either. Where could she be at this dark time of night?” Hanis offers, “Maybe in the garden?” Whitey replies, “Go check it, you two go with him and hurry.” Grunt asks, “Do you think the bookshop is open this late?” Whitey shrugs, “Go find out.” Now he turns to the others and asks, “Does anyone know where the Scribe’s room is located?”
Squat offers, “Near the Library.” Whitey replies, “Show me.” After they leave, Donatello goes to the outer door bolting it, so these foes cannot re-enter. He wonders again, what the book is, that they seek. Viktor waves him into the den and points to a carafe, “That left one is mostly blood.” Donatello hurries and pours himself a cup.
~*~
Samala’s Cottage, Dark 2:30 AM, 677, 28th, October
Lola groans, rolling her eyes as she turns around to see Thomas’s lifeless body now lies on the floor. Lola curses, “Oh, Dark Realm Demons! I forgot I kicked his soul out. I might have needed his bloody body again!” Reluctantly, Lola flows her mist back inside of him and tries to move his limbs, but as she feared it is too late. Lola comes out, moaning at the awful feel of the dead.
She fumes at Kolo, “Dancing demon, on my grave. This is your smelly fried fish muckery and your bloody fault, not mine! I hate being a man, all sweaty, reeky fromunda cheese goo between the legs, and itchy balls. It caused me to forget he was soulless. What am I to do now? Well, I had no choice. I used him to save you!” She huffs with effort; it is much harder to drag Thomas’s larger body.
Lola curses her twin, “If we were at home, I would have everything to speed your healing. No slimy spell book, no lousy list, no tacky tools, not even your crappy crystal staff, and no bloody body.” Struggling with his weight, she drops Thomas’s head above Kolo and slits Thomas’s throat. Letting his blood drain into the coffin, she chuckles, “Might as well be good for something.”
She stands looking at the guards, realizing she has two dead bodies and no way to get rid of them. Lola goes back into the parlor, watching the plants dry, as she grumbles, “What will I grind them with?” Furious until she recalls Jillian, their nosy neighbor, she smirks, “Well, let us see what little Witchy poo is up to!” Twirling, Lola hums the tune that Kolo often whistles. Lola then sings a few lines in a low creepy whispering tone,
“Get me help, no you did not bother.
I sunk drowning in the dark water.
Dying when you are very young,
It is never kind and not much fun.
Stab a fork deep into Timmy’s eye,
So, it is terrible Timmy’s turn to die.
You pushed me into that dark Well,
When dead you have no tales to tell.
Get me help, no you did not bother.
You let me drown in the dark water.
Little lousy Lucy tries hard to run,
Chasing Lucy to the grave is so fun.
A kick from the tree breaks her neck,
I left her there for the crows to peck.
You pushed me into that dark Well,
When dead you have no tales to tell.”
Lola sees a light on in Jillian’s home and stops singing. Once on the porch, she knocks on her closest neighbor’s door. Backing into the shadows, Lola whispers to herself, “Oh, ‘Hello, Naughty Neighbor’, may I borrow your body please?” Lola giggles darkly, as she makes herself as solid as possible. Then Lola tries for what she hopes will look like a serious and weary smile.
Yet, as she hears the old woman’s footsteps coming toward the door, Lola cannot help herself, as she gets a sinister grin.
~*~
Dark Elf Desert Castle, Night 2:30 AM, 677, 28th, October
After what seems like hours of listening to Bailey speak about the great love binding their two kingdoms, and all he can offer in trade, King Haldir is sick of it. Not one word comes close to an apology. He looks to his wife seeing how pale she appears; he worries for Ninna as her health is poor. Yet, he needs to stop this spewing of useless self-serving crap from King Bailey’s mouth.
Silent tears flow down Alnesa’s cheeks, her father glares. Interrupting Bailey, the darkly attractive Haldir hisses, “I am not giving you, my daughter. It is your fault that Alrod disrespected me. You failed to teach your son to keep his hands to himself! He came into my Castle and took what does not belong to him.” Princess Alnesa’s sob escapes, as she looks to Alrod, he stares at the floor.
She shakes her head, rushing to hold her next sob in with her left hand. King Haldir grabs Alnesa’s right hand squeezing it roughly, fearing her speaking out. Her father leans over to whisper in her ear, “Remember, you do not speak unless I say so! Even then you will only say what I tell you to, not a single word more! Understand?” Alnesa nods and gasps with pain.
Haldir releases his punishing grip and pats her hand, to make it seem as though he tried to comfort her. The Vampires know better, they heard every word. Dark Elf King Haldir hushes her aloud, “Calm yourself daughter, I will not send you away with him. He will pay for breaking our trust and forcing himself on you, in the safety of our home.” Prince Alrod feels like he might faint with fear.
The Light Elf King replies to this, “It need not be something to be ashamed of, if we treat it like a joining of our two great kingdoms. We will welcome your daughter into our Castle and treat her with the respect due our son’s wife-with-child.” Haldir says threateningly, “Do you not hear me? I will not agree, after the fact, to pretend I chose for her to marry your pathetic mindless puppet.”
All are silent as he rants, “I will not give you the most precious thing I have, my daughter! Apologize and make a suitable settlement; or Alrod will be on trial!” Near fainting, Ninna stands, “Forgive me I must retire, this is more than I can take. First, I have to say, I cannot grasp the thought of my dear child leaving me to go to such an uncertain future. And there is no confirmation of a baby.”
They feel the grim tension, as a guard rushes to assist the Queen from the room. None knew Haldir held back for his elderly wife’s benefit. Standing now, King Haldir screams at them, “I will burn your kingdom down before I gift you my daughter when your coward spoiled her under my own roof! You are a braggart, sneaking in with the vilest of intentions.” Light Elf King Bailey gets a grin. It is the threat he planned for; justifying him bringing his hired army.
~*~
Jillian opens the door a crack as she peers out, she demands, “Who is out there?” Lola says in a helpless tone, “It is your neighbor, dear. I just wanted to apologize for my brother’s condition and the crudeness of those guards who brought him home. Let me introduce myself. I am Lola; Kolo’s twin sister.”
The Sinister Shade tries to sound helpless, “Well, I hope for your assistance. I am attempting to word my argument. I must convince my brother to stop drinking so much. That is if you would not mind giving me some of your wisdom. Were you turning into bed?” The old hag opens the door wider. Lola gives her a smile and sees most of Jillian’s untidy gray hair has fallen out of her bun.
Jillian replies, “It is nice to meet you Lola, it is a bit late, however I was still up. I am Jillian. I was letting my water cool, just poured my bath. I suppose I can help you think it through, as I wait.” She turns walking away, Lola follows, hitting into the barrier put in place by the almighty to protect humans from all with mystical powers; she swears, ‘Oh, Dark Realm Demons, another boundary!’
Lola uses her best helpless tone calling into Jillian, “I hate to think that I might be imposing?” Hearing no response, Lola desperately tries again louder, “Perhaps I should leave. It is just that I got into quite a quarrel with my brother over his drunkenness and the mess. Well, I stormed out of the house. I just wanted to walk off my anger, then I saw it was really too dark, for a safe stroll.”
Livid at her silence, Lola says louder, “It is so hard to reason with him, when I am this furious, I cannot form a proper argument.” Jillian gives a tired reply, “Do not leave; I have already poured your drink.” Lola steps forward, still denied entry. She fumes trying to think what to say, her tired mind fails, unable to cause Jillian to reply with a response that gives proper permission to enter her home.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
~*~
Princess Sidonia receives a dream-vision of the past, about Lola. The Oracle watches Lola’s ghostly form as she speeds swiftly floating through the forest. Dark, even with the three quarters’ full moonlight; Sidonia senses that Lola is hunting someone. Lola sees a woman up ahead and comes rushing, to sneak up behind her, then the Sinister Shade screeches like a banshee.
Sidonia now sees the woman is a Ghost, as she wails in fear and screams at Lola, “Stop frightening me!” The newer Shade cries and tries to escape the older Spirit. It is useless, Lola is far faster, as she circles around and cuts her off by jumping out in front of her. As she runs Lola comes behind her screaming, and finally Lola comes at her side, tossing the younger ghost into a tree.
The Ghost lays there acting helpless and cries, “Leave me alone Lola.” The older Shade comes to stand over her as she mocks, “Giving up so soon?” The Ghost sobs, “What do you want?” Lola sneers, “For you to get mad enough to get even! Tell me Beatrix, are you not sick of crying yet?” The newer Shade stops sniveling, “Yes. However, I am far more sick of you!”
Lola says, “Until you show me that you are willing to take revenge for what happened, I will come and torment you for the rest of your time here. Get mad, so you can get even, or give up and look for your bloody door! Your endless weeping is an insult to females and shades alike.” Beatrix sits up and sneers, “What, do you think your frightening and endless torments, are somehow helping me?”
Nodding, Lola says sternly, “Yes, you need to get mad enough to fight back!” Beatrix frowns, “If you claim to want to help me; why not help me by killing Clay?” Lola snorts, “Because you must do it for yourself, otherwise you will continue to be the victim.” Then Lola is gone. Beatrix sits there thinking about what Lola means and how to accomplish it, believing she is too weak.
Beatrix tries to move a twig and when she fails, tears come. She begins wailing again. Sidonia wakes from the vision, seeing she is still locked in the cell. She is even more certain that it was Lola’s mist that she had seen in her mum’s old cottage. Since Lola is a Witch, Sidonia now fears that it means Kolo is a Witch as well. Cursing her own weakness, the Oracle starts to believe it had been the point and why she received this vision.
Closing her eyes, the dark girl thinks of the spell in her father’s book and wonders how she can use it to gain power. Her exhaustion takes over, Sidonia falls back asleep.
~*~
Donatello tells the young Prince, “I need to get Sidonia out of the Castle. I do not think I can keep her safe here, when the Day Guards are compelled to capture her. There are too many of them. You need to pack a light bag and come with us.” Viktor shakes his head, saying firmly, “Father told me, I am the Lord of Blackstone Castle, when he is gone. I cannot leave it to the enemy.”
Sighing, Donatello realizes, “I am getting ahead of myself. I have nowhere to take Sidonia, and I cannot be out during the day. I need to convince Tik to help us.” Donatello becomes mist rushing off as Viktor calls out, “You forgot the black sword!” Seeing Donatello is gone, Prince Viktor goes to his own bedroom.
Viktor gathers some of his important things, and goes down to his hidden bedroom by the indoor pool. Once there, Viktor begins reading a book, yet drifts off to sleep quickly. Donatello finds Captain Tik at the Front Gate and explains all that happened. He sees the disapproval of the other guards’ who are standing nearby so they can overhear, as they whisper and mock him.
Tik scoffs, “How is it when I agree to let you focus on her safety that she gets away from you and is nearly taken? Where were you?” Swallowing, Donatello admits, “I took a blood break, sir.” Fearing Sidonia leaving or being taken, Tik says, “Why did you leave her alone? You should have asked me to watch her.”
Donatello shrugs, “Sorry sir.” Tik seems oddly calmer than before and less threatening, Sidonia’s guard smells blood on him, and assumes he must have just had his blood break. Tik adds, “I believe you are correct; these day guards are not to be trusted. I questioned one; he is indeed under your foe’s control.” Tik grins, not admitting he drank from the Human Guards to know their memories.
~*~
Exhausted because she has been up all night, Light Elf Queen Vanna mocks Haldir, “You held in that bit of nastiness so well, what a shame you now shared it. I do not believe, that my son, Prince Alrod forced himself on Princess Alnesa. While we are willing to treat her kindly, I have no such hope that you will treat my son with any respect. So no, I will not let my son stay here, in your kingdom.”
She chokes out, “To live with your people! You have proven to be without mercy, kindness, nor conscience.” Queen Vanna says to Anthony, “Who are you and exactly what are you doing for us? So far you have offered us no assurance, wisdom, nor help.” Anthony holds her gaze, giving Queen Vanna a slightly wicked smile.
Vanna’s glare fades, as she starts to realize her mistake. High Lord Anthony replies, “I am not aware that I need an introduction, since you do know me.” He dares her to contradict him, adding, “I will ensure Alrod has every opportunity to speak up for himself, and make certain his sentence is just. What more do you want?”
~*~
Blackstone Castle’s Front Gate, Dark 3 AM, 677, 28th, October
Tik pats Donatello’s shoulder, causing her guard discomfort, as he walks him out of hearing distance, of the Human Guards. Tik quietly says, “I will gather a few vampire guards and we shall clear the fiend’s control of our Human Guards, then bring them under mine. Where is the Princess now?” Donatello hesitantly trusts Tik, telling him, “I locked her up. I dared not leave her for a moment.”
Lightly, Tik mocks, “Well if your report is correct, and your foe is dead, I think that might be overdoing it. I am going to get our guards under our control, so you can put her back in her bedroom now.” Donatello frowns, still unsure. Tik says, “Even if he heals, I do not believe he can do it in time to return before dawn.” Donatello is less certain of himself and his reasons for doubting his Captain.
Smiling, Tik pats his back adding, “Once confident I can trust them, I will send word through Whitey, I cleared him and will do the rest. Todd is the only one not under your foe’s control. If you need a break, call to me from her balcony, I will take over for you.” Donatello nods leaving; he realizes, ‘Tik claims he checked one, then says Todd is not under Kolo’s control, and he cleared Whitey? But I just saw Whitey and the others looking to take Sidonia!’
Going to the cells, Donatello opens it. Grekan questions, “Why is she not waking?” He replies while carrying the girl to her room, “Sidonia said, fighting the Evil One’s Blood Magic, weakened her and she cannot stay awake. At least Tik is breaking the Evil One’s control over the Human Guards.” He whispers, “Tik promises to help me guard her as well. Yet, I am uneasy with both.” Grekan grumbles, “Sidonia’s creepy whispers are wearing off on you.”
The Librarian adds, “It is about time Tik comes to his senses. Where is the Prince?” Donatello lays Sidonia back in her bed, and says, “Oh, I left him in his Father’s Den, I will go find him, so he knows it should be safe now. Still keep her door locked, and I will lock the outer door as well. Do not let anyone in here, other than Captain Tik and myself.” Grekan nods, but mumbles to himself, “I am not letting Tik in.” Donatello blurs around the Castle.
Unable to find Viktor, Donatello comes back into Anthony’s den and gets himself another blood drink. Sitting down at the King’s desk, he begins to write him a letter. He wants to laugh off his need to document it all. Regrettably, he does not trust Tik. It is more than just one thing, as he cannot shake off his sense of dread, either.
~*~
Dark Elf Desert Castle, Night 3 AM, 677, 28th, October
Vanna turns and leaves the courtroom; her husband and son join her as they go to their rooms. Once they are alone in their quarters she gasps, “I am seriously frightened. I never should have trusted you nor agreed for Alrod and me to join you on these talks of getting surrogate mothers. I believe if I try or even ask to leave, we shall learn that we are being held here against our will.”
She paces adding, “I am stunned that he brought the Strigois here! I do not see that they are doing anything to keep these negotiations civil!” Bailey asks with suspicion, “What is a Strigoi?” Vanna sneers, “Anthony’s House of Vampires is named Strigoi, versus the other leaders’ houses; Wurdulac, Draugr, Mullo, Upyr, Moroi, need I list them all for you? I prefer to discuss your mess.”
Bailey becomes even more suspicious of her learning something he never heard of, he pries, “What did Anthony mean when he said, ‘since you do know me’?” Lying, Vanna shutters, “I have no idea, and it feels very creepy.” Alrod frowns at his mother, and Bailey does not believe his wife; he wonders where Vanna could have seen or met Anthony, before this.
Realizing, Queen Vanna adds, “I suspect that is the point, and why Haldir brought them here. He wants them to frighten and unsettle us, so Haldir can manipulate us into agreeing with anything just so we can leave. I was trying to make it appear that we were not afraid of them; clearly the Vampire did not care for it and chose to make a vague, yet very ugly insinuation.” Now they both agree, nodding to Vanna, for it had worked, causing them to question her.
~*~
As Donatello sits in Anthony’s private den in the dark at the High Lord’s desk, he finishes his report. He intended it to be a quick overview. However, he thought he should also confess to all that he was part of, as well as his worries that this might be connected to the elf concern. He gave the greatest details when it came to what he learned of Kolo and Lola. It seems disloyal, as he also writes of Tik.
If it goes badly, and he cannot be here, at least he has informed Anthony of what he learned so far. He kept to the facts, still, he is surprised how many pages it is. As he signs his name, a voice in the hallway startles him, “What are you doing in here?”
~*~
Once King Bailey is alone in his room, he writes a note, and sends it through a dark window with his messenger bird. Getting a response, he relaxes and is soon snoring. Alrod hears saying, “Mother, if you do have any sway with Anthony, please use it. I did not bargain on Haldir implying much less bringing charges of rape against me.” She looks at her son with revulsion.
The Light Elf Queen believes she no longer knows him. Vanna’s tone drips with disgust, “Bargain?” Alrod flinches. He sees the rage and disillusionment in his mother’s eyes, she asks, “Since when is a girl’s virginity something you think you can take? Much less do it without love- but as a bargain!” Prince Alrod shrugs; she gasps, “That poor girl! What were you thinking? I am disappointed.”
Alrod shakes his head; Vanna walks toward the door, then hesitates, and looks back at Alrod; saying, “No, beyond that, I raised you better than this. I am humiliated that I spoke up, defending you, thinking you are worth protecting, even risking my life for… I never would have believed that it is the truth. How do I face what you did? How do you have such hatred and disrespect for women?”
He is silent. Vanna sobs, “How can you treat her this way?” Prince Alrod looks at the floor not having an answer for her as he is asking himself nearly the same things. His mother leaves, and he goes as well, hoping he can find Alnesa and beg her forgiveness. He believes he will never get his mother’s respect back, and only hopes she will not give up on him before he can find a way to make it right.
~*~
Viktor sees a dark form at his father’s desk and says accusingly, “You are not my pa, he is bigger. You do not have permission.” Her guard looks up; the Prince laughs, “Oh, Donatello. I was a bit concerned. Why are you at my pa’s desk?” Donatello gives him a sad smile saying, “I am writing a note for your father.”
He seals it with wax and presses his signet ring into it. Coming closer Viktor asks, “Why are you back here, you said you were leaving?” Donatello replies, “I looked for you to tell you we are staying.” The boy says, “I decided to hide. Father says I am Lord of the Castle; so, I must stay.”
Prince Viktor sighs, “Father might not like you sitting at his desk.” The young boy admits, “He also does not let the guards into our Royal Quarters. That part is my fault. I let you sleep here, and brought you into Father’s den.” Viktor smiles and says firmly, “However, I will stand by my word and decision to make an exception, if Father learns of it.”
Sidonia’s Guard explains, “I did not mean to have you go against your father’s wishes.” Viktor tilts his head up, “I do not think it is. You are guarding Sidonia. I believe my choices are correct and will tell father that.” Donatello smiles at the boy’s pure convictions, wishing he were as confident in his own decisions. Donatello tells the Prince, “I might have overreacted before. Still, I kicked a hornet’s nest earlier.” Viktor frowns, “How did you do that?”
Donatello chuckles, “I read a note that Sidonia wrote to the Evil One and he saw me do it. Now the Day Guards want to grab Sidonia and me.” The boy smirks, “I would not kick a bee’s nest, even though each bee can only sting me once. There are too many.” In a tired way the Guard nods. Donatello, then replies in a playful tone, “And I thought I was being very smart, you are right.”
~*~
Being a supernatural creature Lola continues to be unable to enter Jillian’s home, if not formally invited in. As the hag comes back into view, the Shade cries wiping at her eyes, as if Lola were dabbing away her tears. Jillian stops with her tray in her hands. At first, she is annoyed, until the old lady realizes Lola is sobbing and softens, “Oh, you poor dear.”
In an apologetic tone Lola says, “Forgive me; I could not hear your reply, good neighbor. I must have been crying too loudly.” Jillian gasps, “Do not keep me standing with a full tray; come in we will sit in the parlor.” Walking away, Jillian sets down the tray, missing Lola’s creepy telltale grin, as she steps inside. Lola’s image becomes a skeletal horror.
The gleeful Shade slams the door and rushes into the parlor. Looking up, Jillian’s blood-curdling scream fills the room; she is terrified as the Sinister Shade enters her without warning… then Lola smiles at the welcome silence.
~RMW~