RMW
Chapter Thirty-One
Destroying Angel
~SV~
Kolo’s Craftroom, Near Sunset, 677, 28th, October
Kolo impatiently demands, “Nepathi! Have you gathered everything or not?” She says, “I do not see the rest on the shelves, and these final things, I feel they are challenging to get.” He snorts, “Like what?” She says, “The spell calls for Grave Dirt, do you have any?” He smirks, “Yes. What else?” She fakes trying, “De-story-. Ah, Des-toy.” Huffing, Nepathi says, “I-I cannot pronounce.”
The Egyptian sighs, “I am not sure, I think they might be very rare forms of poisonous plants. Are you aware of anyone who specializes in them, or a market that might have some?” This comment makes Darciana sit back, as she huffs darkly, “I suspected as much! It figures he picked my spell.” Kolo goes to examine the list in the grimoire, as Nepathi points to the final items. The Evil One now grins and says with glee, “So they are, how perfect.”
Two of the three Witches find his joy rather odd, since he is unlikely to have it, nor will he easily find a place to buy the poisonous items. Kolo grabs her basket dumping out the remains, and he says with dark delight, “After studying many poisons for a great while, it just so happens that I now pride myself on being an expert. I have even collected numerous types of poisonous plants!” Samala glares, while Darciana and Nepathi show their amazement.
Kolo adds, “It has taken me a few decades to cultivate my outstanding selection, growing them myself, then grinding most into a powder.” The Mad Queen grimly states, “Well, that does not come as a surprise, to me.” Curious Darciana looks at her, as Samala darkly seethes, “Not since I just realized that it was you!” Nepathi frowns at the vague accusation. Glowering, the Queen finishes, “You murdered my first husband, Gustav Tricker, with a poisonous pie!”
The Evil One giggles like a mischievous little boy, whose hand was caught in the cookie jar; he mocks, “So I did. Finally, you know, after all this time. How fun it is to see your pride and horror! It appears I have earned some of your respect, and you are grateful for my actions.” She huffs, “No, never pride nor respect!” He snickers, “Thank you for that golden look back.”
Standing, he jokes, “Even though long ago, it is such a sweetly dark memory. Still, Gustav did deserve it and you are grateful. Admit it; you are secretly happy I removed him from your life.” Queen Samala looks away, until Kolo adds mockingly, “Even if you deny it, you should realize the death of your lazy Gustav is your own fault for leading me on.”
Kolo slowly goes to the wall behind her. Queen Samala seethes at his grave joy, “I never acted as though I was interested in you, let alone pretended that I had any feelings for you. So, you only fooled yourself by imagining it! I never led you to believe I cared.”
~*~
Satan’s Spit Forest, Near Sunset, 677, 28th, October
Sidonia says, “I must say, even Lola would not stoop to use or endanger a child!” Humbled, Beatrix wonders how she knows her part in this, much less what Lola would do. Sidonia scolds her, “I could feel sorry for you, before you involved Charles.” Backing up, Beatrix shudders at the angry energy coming off this girl and nods with respect. Sidonia states, “You made a deal with Jon.” The Shade hisses, “Oh, you are an oracle? Your power feels- very odd.”
The clan gasps, at learning that the dark girl did actually know about Jon’s deal with the cruel Shade. Angrily, Beatrix adds, “I wondered how you got this far so quickly.” Sidonia states, “Do as you promised Jon and lead us the rest of the way to Charles.” Beatrix fears this girl, yet does not want to comply; so, she rushes through the group to scatter them, yet sees her mist has darkened even more.
~*~
Samala seethes at Kolo, “You were a client and I acted professionally.” They hear a click, Samala, and Darciana struggle to look over their left shoulders, but are unable to see what Kolo is doing. Facing it, Nepathi watches with interest, as he unlatches the cabinet’s lock, moves the cabinet, to then reveal a hidden area behind it; she is curious about what else is in this new room.
Kolo comes back, saying, “I brought both forms of the ‘Destroying Angel’; which do you suggest we use, the freshly cut or the dry ground?” Nepathi taps the powdered. He leaves it, nodding, “I agree. It should mix in easier.” While the cousins are distracted trying to watch Kolo go back into the hidden room; Nepathi hurriedly dumps all she dares of the poisoned powder onto the table.
The Egyptian quickly pulls the bowl over the ‘Destroying Angel’. Closing the near empty jar, she sets it where Kolo placed it, and studies the grimoire. Locking the panel, Kolo is out of breath as he comes back, setting the basket near the Egyptian. She acts intrigued, as Kolo points at each, “I got you the Autumn Skullcap and some of the Webcap for you.” She answers in a naïve tone, “Oh, I guessed they were flowers, not knowing they were mushrooms.”
He adds, “The flowers Angel’s Trumpet and Devil’s Pulpit are naturally in their dried form. Is there anything else?” She glances at the grimoire’s list; and after a moment Nepathi hesitantly shakes her head. Kolo questions, “Why are you so uncertain?” The Egyptian replies cautiously, “This is not in my language, so I must translate it. And since it is for ‘her’, I am being overly careful.” While naturally suspicious, Kolo gives her a nod of appreciation.
However, the Evil One remains distrustful of Nepathi; then he gasps, “My fun at the Queen’s expense, nearly caused me to forget the graveyard dirt!” The cousins watch as he goes across from the exit, to their right, where he opens a hidden doorway on the wall. Kolo hobbles down the catacombs; now Samala looks to Darciana and mouths, ‘Her?’ Darciana mouths her reply, ‘Lola.’ The Queen’s eyes go wide, as she looks around for the Sinister Shade.
Samala is surprised that she has failed to notice the absence of Lola’s grating presence and wonders what caused it. Darciana nods to the bowl as she whispers to the Egyptian, “That is Lola, right?” Nepathi confirms it with a nod, as Kolo is returning. He closes the door and sets a cloth bag on the table by Nepathi.
~*~
Beatrix is startling the Ramblers, just to hear them scream, and thinks it will keep them from following the dark girl. The Shade stops and now replies, “You are on his path, so you do not need me.” Sidonia has fury in her tone, “You made a vow. You led the boy there and you know very well, we can travel faster following you.” Endora asks Beatrix, “Is it possible for you to bring Charles to us?” The Shade admits, “Even after five years, I have not learned to lift.”
The Ghost fumes, “If I had, I would have taken vengeance for myself!” Endora whispers to the Oracle, “I need your help with Myrtle.” Frowning, Sidonia turns to look at Myrtle, seeing her dazed expression, she groans, “Oh Dark, I must have accidently compelled her!” Princess Sidonia rushes to Myrtle, hoping to reverse it. The Dhampirica gets a blue mist and glow as she gazes into Myrtle’s eyes, and compels her, “Forget my command, wake now.”
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Blinking, Myrtle comes out of her daze, the Oracle confesses, “I owe you an apology. I told you to stop blaming others for your decisions. I just re-lived a vision of my past, one of my mother’s attempts to kill me. She claimed we were picnicking; then she left me for the forest wolves to kill. Having Charles taken into the woods, is too similar. I accept you are upset, yet your unkind words, had me assuming you are no better than my mother.”
The dark girl sighs, “I regret making it worse.” Myrtle has tears, “I should not have shaken you, or yelled. And I do need to take responsibility for failing to ask and pay one of the women to watch him.” Myrtle sobs, “Please.” She looks to Sidonia and the Ghost, “Please help me find my son!” Beatrix is moved; but, still unwilling. The Shade needs them to see their guilt. She rushes through the clan accusingly, as she screams, “You all did nothing for me!”
The clan looks ashamed, as Beatrix fumes, “You just watched me suffer! Why should I do anything for you?” Eddirk states, “Beatrix, I did try to resolve it, regrettably I found no proof. Keep your word or I will stop Jonathon from helping you!” The Ghost replies, “I doubt you will leave your search to stop Jon.” The Dark Princess states, “Beatrix, you have forgotten what it is like to be mortal. Charles needs to be found now, before frost settles.”
The Shade shakes her head. The dark girl warns, “Your mist is darkening and will continue as you deny us. If he is harmed you will pay for it in the Prison Realm.” Beatrix snorts, “There are no other worlds or Lola and I would be there!” Sidonia asks, “Then where is William?” Beatrix concedes, hoping he is in heaven. Gasping to Endora, Myrtle confesses, “I never believed Jon about the ghosts, because I did not see them. I did not believe the girl could bring a ghost nor follow it. Why am I seeing them now?”
Endora replies, “Ghosts have the ability to not be seen by most. It is an effort for spirits to be revealed, while some like Jonathon see them even when ghosts are not trying to be seen.” Myrtle groans, “I must apologize to him, I thought Jon lied, just so he could be lazy. I need to be understanding.” Endora sighs, “Yes, however it does not excuse him leaving Charles, allowing your son to be at risk, when all he has to do is make us aware he is leaving.”
~*~
Whale Head Bay, Seaport, Near Sunset, 677, 28th, October
As the Raven Clan’s fleet, and a few others who have joined them for this Viking trip, come into the bay, they put down anchor. The men begin to go ashore; some choose to swim but most wait for the rowboats to come back. When enough are gone that the few left will not overhear them, Captain Dark Blood follows his son’s joyful laughter, it leads him to see that he has his usual grin, Dark smiles. Bloodson is concerned when he sees the weary look on Dark’s face.
When Dark nods toward the cabin, Bloodson becomes serious, and follows him. Closing the door behind him, dread keeps his son from waiting, as Bloodson says, “I already know what you are going to tell me, Father. I should have killed them instead of just knocking them out.” Dark’s head tilts, waiting for him to finish. Bloodson adds, “None seemed worthy of my sword, nor the time I earn in Nifl’s prison. It is one thing if they attacked us-.”
Dark hands him a cup, taking it Bloodson finishes, “-quite another when our King orders it and they were not even worth raiding.” Dark Blood lightly teases, “I prefer you use our term ‘Viking’ to calling it a raid. Even the foreigners have started calling us Vikings.” Bloodson agrees, “Not Norse, or Northmen.” Dark nods, saying with a dire tone, “I am proud of your choice, yet I need to warn you others will not be. So, watch for the ergi cowards.”
His father adds, “They will seek reasons for anger with you.” Bloodson asks, “Why should anyone else care?” Dark clarifies, “Our bloodline has a reputation for strength and bringing death. Most are wise enough not to mess with us. However, there are always going to be a few ragrs. Rather than working at their own skill to raise their reputation, they allow ours to cause envy and seek our weaknesses. They believe dragging us down allows them to rise.”
Bloodson frowns, “I guess I have noticed a few doing it. Peterk, Tigr, and Stinky; they are always a bit mouthy, and tend to give me crap. I did not take it seriously, now I will be more wary of it.” His father grins, “What they do not understand is the only way to get better-.” Bloodson smirks, finishing his father’s statement, “-is to learn by practicing. I know, you say it to me all the time.” Dark points to his son’s forehead, “Well, much of it is up here.”
Dark Blood adds, “If you do not see what is coming and know three ways to kill it before-.” Again, his son cuts in, “-it reaches me, I know, I am dead.” Dark says, “They do not try to use their head; they only use their ergi mouths. I want you to be ready so you do not overreact; killing one of ours is very serious.” His son groans, “I should have realized.” Dark sighs, “Expect them to call you a coward, and stupid, because the ones you hit can get up.”
His father states, “And now the enemy is behind our men and will come at our backs, possibly killing one of us.” Bloodson smirks, “So, I did not kill a stranger, it does not mean I let them get up… well not until long after we left.” His father nods, as Bloodson adds, “And, now my clansmen are coming for me? Besides, Odin says-.” Dark has a red glint come into his eyes, as he cuts in scolding his son, “What did I say about using his name?” Bloodson groans.
He sees the red glow, and knows it means his Father is angry. He sighs, “Never do it.” Bloodson is ashamed looking down. Harshly, Dark Blood exhales, “It is how my brother got killed! Others’ sinister bloody envy; at him telling them he speaks with Odin! When he needed help, the clan did not come to Blood Frost’s aid. It is no one’s business; do not even slip with me. We might be overheard. Trust me I will know when you are talking about him.”
Bloodson promises, “Sorry Father, I will do better.” Dark pats his shoulder, “I hope I am wrong, but I have heard them whisper the same mocking about Odin not saving your brother. Just watch your back for ragrs. Stay with our men, so no one singles you out.” Bloodson scoffs, “I do not need a nanny nor a guard.” Dark states, “This type will rarely come at our face, nor one-on-one.” His father’s grim look has Bloodson quickly conceding, “Fine.”
Dark adds, “If they start it, do not hesitate! You make bloody sure you end it quickly, short of killing them, if possible. If not, oh well, they messed with you and found out you are not afraid to kill. And they sure as the grave asked for it! Or, if they are foolish enough to come at you again, they earn their own deaths. Do not give them another chance. I hope our men are witnesses to testify of it. Just know that I will approve. I will never doubt your decision.”
His father states, “I trust you and will take your side in any situation!” His son nods, “Yes Father, I understand.” Yet, he feels a sense of doom; never expecting to worry about his own clan.
~*~
Sidonia sighs, “Beatrix, by helping you are likely to find peace with your husband.” The Shade says, “One day of your worry is unequal to my grief! We wait until Jon has killed Clay.” Her mist darkens again. Myrtle cries, “A fox was on my son’s trail!” Tired of begging this cruel Shade, the dark girl lies, “Help us now or I will bring Lola here.” Beatrix gasps, “No! Do not call her.” Yet she resists, Sidonia coldly asks, “Do you know how Lola died?”
Beatrix scoffs, “No. Why would I? We are not friends.” The Princess states, “Lola was murdered, when she was just a child. I am certain that Lola shall be very livid with you, when and if you force me to tell her, how you have endangered a small boy! And Charles is also much younger than Lola was when she died!” The Shade’s fear grows, “Please, you must not do that to me!” Beatrix backs up, as the Oracle’s eyes glow a bright blue while she threatens, “I will...”
The dark girl promises, “If you do not lead us to Charles. I intend you no harm, as long as you help us save the boy, right now!” The Dark Princess is too tired, to have guilt for using Beatrix’s fears against her. It is worth it to find the boy, before he is harmed by the cold or an animal. Sidonia also feels it is why Fate showed her the vision of Lola tormenting Beatrix; she threatens, “Now, or I bring Lola.” Beatrix hisses, “Fine!” The Shade races off.
Following, they see Beatrix heads the way they were going, they chase after her. She winds through the trees, turning east. They go quicker as they run for a half hour. Suddenly Sidonia realizes and yells a warning, “Halt! We are at the cliff’s edge!” The clan stops in time. Robert goes over the edge, his wife Olive screams, Eddirk leans over getting a hold of his clothes. Eddirk sees Robert is on a lower ledge, and is glad, he assumes it stopped his fall.
Beatrix’s laugh is haunting, yet she is disappointed by the dark girl’s ability; saying, “You took all the fun out of it.” Robert huffs, “She means no harm? What the dark do you call that? Beatrix nearly broke my damn neck! Why follow her? I do not trust her, nor her blue mist; she will get us killed!” Sidonia knows he is talking of her, not Beatrix. She senses their fear will cause them to ask her to leave, as she wearily replies, “I am here willing to help Charles.”
Eddirk and Myrtle run in opposite directions along the ravine; Sidonia goes to help, but Robert talks some men into surrounding her. The Oracle sighs, “I only meant that Beatrix cannot move objects nor touch us. As Ramblers, we also do not need to fear her possessing us, as witches can block shades.” The clan still glares, as if it were her fault. They see her eyes are glowing blue, and back up, yet still block her way, they are unaccustomed to her blue mist.
None are sure what it means, and they distrust the blue mist of the dead, as their witches have only green mist. Endora does not dare sit to do a vision to find out. Sidonia realizes this and recalls her own fear of Lola’s mist color when at her mother’s cottage.
~RMW~