RMW
Chapter Thirty-Two
The Dragon’s Warning
~SV~
Satan’s Spit Forest, Sunset, 677, 28th, October
Endora wonders who Lola is, and how the Oracle knew to use her against the Ghost. The Dark Princess senses the clan’s prejudice will keep them from letting her help the boy. She lightly mocks, “I am not perfect, are any of you? I have nearly drained my power as it is, by using it for hours while doing a very long walk. If I stop now, it will leave Charles at risk! Is that what you want?” Some give in, and move, yet Robert and his pals remain blocking her.
Sidonia adds, “Beatrix did not show us a path down and is gone now. I have seen a path, let me go to Charles. You cannot expect me to anticipate everything. If I could, I would not have needed to leave home, and I would not be here, available to help you find Charles.” Olive accuses, “Ya should have been listenin’ ta the Ghosts thoughts.” The Oracle replies, “I was watching where Charles went, wanting to make certain Beatrix did not mislead us.”
The clan just scoffs, unwilling to let her by, even Endora is unsure. Robert fears if the Oracle is successful, the clan will go against his plan. Myrtle cannot find a way down the ravine; she comes back yelling at her clansmen, “It was one thing for me to question the Oracle, I was looking for someone else to blame, and felt she was not getting here fast enough! I was upset, my son is in a gully, what is your Dark excuse? She got us here to the ravine!”
She points adding, “And the Oracle warned you of the cliff; could any of you do it faster or better than she did?” A few more move, but are not helping, while Robert and his pals still block her. Myrtle screams at them, “What are you doing to help me find a way down? I do not see one and my son is down there!” Ashamed, most of them start looking, Endora sits and tries for a vision to find a way to the bottom of the ravine. Robert keeps many blocking the Oracle.
Desperate, Myrtle demands of the women, “Even Endora is unable to do two visions at once, can any of you, do it? Did anyone of you think or even try to listen to the Ghost, maybe watch where Charles had gone, or at least do a vision to find the ravine? How was this girl to learn Beatrix’s intentions, without our help?” Olive admits, “We have ta sit for visions and cannot hear others nor Ghosts’.” Myrtle hisses, “Can any of you see a way to my son?”
Many are shaking their heads as Myrtle adds, “I do not have the gift!” Those with the gift now sit attempting a vision. Angry at them all, Myrtle says, “Be thankful the Oracle even warned us of the edge!” Some nod. Myrtle fumes, “Get out of her way, instead of second guessing what she does with her gift! The sun is down and my boy is still lost! You men, better move, I am not able to have visions, but I can do a mean hex!” Nodding at this, many move.
Robert and three of his pals are left, as Myrtle threatens them, “You are forcing me to start a hex, on any who still block her, and it will make you regret you did not heed my warning!” The three men now move, and Robert finally walks off too. Myrtle grabs the Oracle, pulling her with, as she begs, “Please seek a way to him.”
Sidonia nods as her green mist comes, it calms the clan of Ramblers. Yet, they still hesitate to go with, and be near her.
~*~
Nepathi skillfully moves the bowl blocking Kolo’s view. She makes it seem like she is arranging her ingredients in the order of use, while keeping all from seeing, her real intentions. She now wraps the Destroying Angel’s powdered poison inside of a leaf. She ties it with a stem making it into a packet. Nepathi places the bowl over it and goes back to looking at the grimoire’s instructions.
Distracted, Kolo groans, wishing to spend all his time reading and seeking new treasures. He does not have enough funds to stop working. He will have to live in the Mystical Realm if he is not part of Anthony’s group, who watch for harmful magic here, in this realm. His money does not go as far there and they have beings with killing skills and powers that rival his own. Kolo prefers the safety of being here in the Human Realm.
The Evil One likes that he is one of the strongest species here and prefers to be wealthier than his neighbors. There is also his collection; he cannot leave them behind, give them up, nor risk taking them into the realm gate. Kolo is unable to even smuggle Lola into the Mystical Realm; each time he has to bribe the Devils as they always threaten to take Lola from him. Thinking of his twin causes a blood tear to roll down his cheek.
~*~
Watching from a distance, Beatrix is frustrated and angry that her plan is unraveling. She feels the dark girl is keeping her from getting her revenge on Clay. The Shade sees a club sized branch and goes for it intending to knock the Oracle out. Her hand goes through it rather than grabbing it, she groans; yet gasps as she realizes, ‘It moved!’ Beatrix attempts it again and the limb moves more.
The Shade tries a third time to grab the branch, yet this time it moves less and her next effort does not move it at all. Weakened, she goes back to watching the clan, still hoping they do not find the boy before the murderer dies at Jon’s hand. Beatrix then realizes she cannot imagine the worthless Jonathon actually succeeding. She then envisions this clan at the tavern, grabbing Clay to lynch him.
Grinning at the thought of them forcing him from the Hangman’s Haunt, and then executing Clay in the same tree, where they hanged her William. Furious, Beatrix knows now that she should have gone with Jon to see Clay die; only then coming to help the clan. This dark girl is ruining everything, causing all to go faster than Beatrix can plan, think, or get her revenge.
The Shade grabs the stick and lifts it starting to come forward to attack the dark girl; but the branch falls from her hand. Beatrix feels she is powerless to stop the Oracle.
~*~
Sidonia leads her on an unseen path, Myrtle slips, “I cannot, I fear I will fall and hurt myself. Will you go to him?” The dark girl nods, she takes the blanket from Myrtle, continuing down a hard to see trail. Eddirk comes back unable to find a way down, and sees the Oracle is descending out of his sight. He yells, “Hold your torches over the cliff, it is darker below us.” The men are unwilling to be near the ledge; seeing this their leader shakes his head.
Eddirk yells, “We need as much light as possible, so she can find Charles!” The clansmen slowly go to the edge, as Eddirk hurries after the Oracle. The Satan’s Spit Clansmen are now lined up along the top of the ravine, looking over the edge, they are unable to see the bottom. Endora sits so she is able to use her gift and watch her husband. She then informs the clan, “The Oracle is on a path going down.” After a while Endora says, “They are now at the bottom!”
Hearing this, Myrtle comes closer to listen, as Endora adds, “They are coming through the crevice.” The clan now sits at the ledge, watching the glow of their torch and lantern below. Laying down, Olive groans, “I still cannot see the boy.” Endora admits, “I was not able, so I am watching Eddirk.” Myrtle gasps, “Is Charles not there? Oh, no, is he dead?” The women shrug, unable to tell her.
Sidonia’s vision, shows Charles is still not moving, and she does not know if that means he has died. She slows, sensing she is getting near him. Impatient, Eddirk is about to go around her when the Princess holds her hand against his chest stopping him, “No, be careful, or we will step on him. I am certain that Charles is near us.” Eddirk backs up, mostly due to feeling power coming off her hand, making him fearful, as he has never sensed this with anyone before.
The Dark Princess lowers her lantern to see the ground better. Sidonia walks slowly, and with her next step forward, she finally sees Charles. Quickly the dark girl goes to him. Kneeling, she sets her lamp down. Eddirk yells upward, “He is here! The Oracle did it! She has found Charles!” The clan gasps with some relief, and wait to hear his fate. The Princess gently examines him for wounds.
~*~
River Road, Sunset, 677, 28th, October
Lurky is certain that he will make the next location before the Ferry comes in. His hopes are dashed as the road is going too far inland before coming back toward the river. Lurky lets out a scream of irritation, “I will never find her now!” As the sun is setting, he believes Sidonia will soon stop and get a room for the night. It gives him renewed confidence, that it will not matter if he is a bit behind.
He no longer pushes his horse, and plans to stay in the next town. As Lurky arrives at the crowded Hangman’s Haunt Tavern, Clay shoves the Rambler Jon, off his stool, “Go sit on the floor in a corner; only paying clients get chairs, you lazy beggar.” Clay waves Lurky on to the stool, then gets him an ale, and Lurky asks, “Did a girl with dark hair get a room for the night.”
Clay grins, “I have not given a room to any females, yet.” Lurky then questions, “Has the Ferry arrived?” Clay snorts, “It left here hours ago.” After drinking his ale, he learns no one in town saw the Princess and no carriages were rented or stabled; he decides to leave, hoping for better luck at the next town.
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~*~
Sidonia makes certain, and only then says, “He is breathing.” Eddirk calls up to them, “He is alive!” The Princess finds no serious injuries, only a few dried scratches. The Oracle says, “He has slight cuts, likely from walking through the underbrush; I never saw him fall and do not detect any serious injuries.” Eddirk calls up to the clan, “Charles is unharmed!” Spreading the blanket out, Princess Sidonia carefully lifts Charles, laying him on it, and wraps him up.
The Oracle sighs with relief, glad that her vision worked, as she says, “Perhaps you should carry Charles, so I can find our way back out.” Eddirk agrees, “Good idea.” He hands the Oracle his torch, and picks up the boy. Sidonia grabs her lantern, using her gift to go out and up the steep side of the ravine. They rush over to his mother. Myrtle looks at him, touching his face and takes Charles. She gasps with hope seeing that he looks unharmed and is breathing.
The Princess tells her, “I never saw him be hurt. I think it is exhaustion from walking this far; he is only in a deep sleep.” Suddenly, Beatrix reappears, “So you found him. Now Jonathon better keep his word, or you will all need to do it for him! If you fail me, I will make sure that you all suffer!” The Shade rushes to the Hangman’s Haunt, no longer wanting Clay dead. The Shade realizes she prefers to witness Clay getting what he deserves.
Charles’s mom sees Beatrix go, handing her son back to Eddirk, asking, “Please take him for me, I am shaking and feel too weak, to carry him that far safely.” Eddirk nods, taking Charles back in his arms and rushes off toward camp with the boy. Myrtle tells Endora, “I am exhausted from the worry.” Endora hugs her. Myrtle adds, “I fear that I will trip and fall, causing Charles serious injury.” Nodding, Endora reassures her, “Charles is safe now.”
Endora gets a dark look, seeing Beatrix’s form leaving in the distance. The female leader seethes, “I need to learn about Spirit Jars. I am ready to make one, so we can defend our clan from her if we need to.” Endora asks Sidonia, “Do you know how to create a Spirit Jar? Beatrix has just proven that she is too dangerous and unsettled!” The Princess admits, “No. I wish I did.” She gets a dark chill of foreboding that she should have ended Beatrix.
Yet she did not think to use the Dragon Sword against the Shade when she had the chance. The Oracle is concerned for this clan. Sidonia fears that once she leaves them, they will have no defenses against the furious Shade. She realizes it is not her habit to think of harming others and needs to start being more wary of defending herself. Sidonia only thought to use the Ghost to find the boy. She considers giving them the Dragon Sword.
The Dragon suddenly turns to her, his eyes are glowing red, as he speaks to Sidonia within her mind, “You cannot gift me to anyone! Even if I wish to help them, I am not allowed, as I am spelled. It will only cause me to leave here and return to whomever in Anthony’s bloodline needs me the most.” Sidonia’s eyes go wide at ‘The Dragon’s Warning.’ The Dragon explains, “Anthony nearly died, when he saved a Dragon.” Princess Sidonia gasps at this.
The Dragon continues, “The Dragon and the Dark Elf Dragon Lords created me to repay that life debt to your father. If you choose not to keep me, I will return and wait on Anthony’s wall for one like Donatello, who I proudly served, hoping to save you! I am bound and sworn to only serve Anthony or his bloodline.” Princess Sidonia says, “I did not know, thank you for explaining this, and for helping me.” He adds, “Remember, I can only be used by you.”
She nods, “You are honorable.” The Dragon finishes, “The only exception, is if the one taking me is using me to help Anthony and his bloodline!” Sidonia sadly nods, “As Donatello did.” A man comes to take Eddirk’s torch from the Oracle, then he runs to catch up with their leader and give him light. Sidonia sees an older man struggling to see and hands her lamp to the elderly man. Myrtle suddenly hugs Sidonia, saying humbly, “Thank you.”
It takes the Oracle by surprise, and she is stiff at first. Usually, the Dark Princess prefers to avoid all contact with others. Too often, she hears their toxic thoughts. And dislikes the feeling and effects of their chaotic auras, as they overwhelm her. Also, the sense of another’s negativity lingers wherever Sidonia is in contact with them, it often radiates with a painful ache for hours. Slowly, Sidonia relaxes, as the aura is only of embarrassment and gratitude.
Myrtle apologizes, “I am ashamed that my fear had me doubting your intentions. I am sorry for my unkind comments toward you. Please do not blame my clan for their reactions, I feel that I caused much of it when I overreacted to my son’s danger.” Sidonia pulls back, “Do not worry, we all make mistakes. I am used to it and glad my gift allowed me to be here to help Charles.” Myrtle lets go and turns, running off to catch up with Eddirk and her son.
Sidonia’s thoughts are now about Zara, hoping she is safe. The Princess recalls the pier is only an hour away, and she is willing to walk there. Feeling she must leave this clan, before Kolo finds her here. Rubbing her temples and neck with her fingers, she tries to release some of her tension. The Oracle hopes for a vision of a spell that will block her mind from others who try to find her or the book.
Even if the Princess receives the spell; she feels it will require a power stone, crystal, or a certain metal and she will not be able to find the items to make it in time to protect herself from Kolo. Princess Sidonia senses she is meant to help the Lake Bled Clan too; yet knows they are not in the direction she is traveling, and she dares not go back. The dark girl is certain the day guards will grab her and give her to Kolo. Endora comes over to walk alongside the Princess.
The female leader says, “Thank you.” Sidonia replies, “You are very welcome.” Endora sighs, “I wish my gift was enough that we did not need to bring you here.” Sidonia assures her, “I am glad to help and happy we found Charles before he was harmed.” Endora asks, “Who is Lola?” The Oracle groans, “She is an evil Shade. I had a vision last night of Lola tormenting Beatrix; wondering why Fate showed it to me. Perhaps it was to get Beatrix to comply in time.”
Sidonia sighs, “I sensed there was an important reason why I also had a glimpse of Lola’s death; so when the opportunity came, I used it to increase Beatrix’s fear of Lola’s anger at her.” Endora asks, “Can you really call Lola here?” The Oracle admits, “I would never want to try. I hope she has been taken to the Prison Realm, and will no longer haunt our world. Lola’s twin brother is the Vampire who seeks me. He used her by possession to gain power.”
The dark girl adds with a shiver, “Lola made her brother fast and twice as strong, so together they were very deadly.” Groaning, Endora gasps, “That is horrid, no wonder you are running. I wish we could help you.” Sidonia warns her, “My guard was able to destroy Lola with my father’s mystical sword. Regrettably, Donatello paid for it with his life! The Vampire has the power of fire, he sought revenge by glamouring our Human Guards into helping him.”
The Dark Princess finishes, “They tossed a net over my guard and then the Vampire burned Donatello to death. I must leave your clan.” Groaning as darkness is upon them, Sidonia fearfully adds, “Before he finds me here. It is dark now, he will rise, and shall be hunting me. He vows to give a burning death to any who help me.” Moaning with regret, Endora says, “I am in awe that your gift allows you to walk, while getting a vision, and you even knew-.”
Looking for the ghost she whispers, “-of Beatrix’s and Jon’s agreement. I must sit during my visions. My gift does not help with most supernatural beings either. Just our wolves. Even other witch cauldrons can be harder for me to read.” The dark girl says, “I had to sit at first, I think it is my growing Dhampirica power, that helps me be able to stand and connect with the dead.” Endora gasps, “It is likely.” The Oracle frowns at her own delight of frightening others.
Sidonia feels it is because she dislikes their prejudices. The dark girl says, “I am concerned for your cauldron. The Vampire has men who seek me and might find me here with your clan or even find Zara.” Endora assures the dark girl, “You are safe here. We all wear charms. Even with the help of a seer, it is unlikely he will see or find us here.” Sidonia states, “Yet, I am not wearing a charm; which is why you saw me.” Endora gasps, “Oh, yes, of course!”
The Oracle adds, “Any with the gift can find me here with you. Since I am no longer needed, it is wise for me to leave as soon as we reach your camp.” Distracted, as Endora now recalls a moment from her past; she makes sure, “So, you have no ‘Protection’? Not a charm, stone, or crystal to conceal your thoughts from evil?” The Princess admits, “I was not instructed in that yet. My father brought me from school to help my little brother…”
Sidonia groans, “I hope Viktor is safe. I dared not bring him with me. I am trying to lead the Evil One away from him and others. My gift is being un-useful for me, so far. It will not even show me a protection spell, nor how to fix this mess. Yet, I saw what I needed to assist my father with a year’s worth of his meetings.” Endora did not expect one this powerful would be unable to see all. She reminds herself and the young Oracle, “We rarely see our own fates.”
The Princess says, “I did not need a charm until a few days ago.” Sidonia then mocks herself, as she realizes, “No. Actually, now that I think about it, I have always needed ‘Protection’.” Endora shivers, with a grim foreboding for the dark girl.
~*~
The Egyptian is making a plan; Kolo looks up seeing that Nepathi is still staring at the grimoire, he barks, “Well, get on with it!” She takes the goat from its cage, slitting its throat over the ashes in the bowl. She shoves it off the table and sends its cage tumbling after it. Unlatching the basket, Nepathi grabs the live snake, slits its jaws to locate its poison pouches, and removes them.
Placing it in the bowl, she grins, throwing the dead snake at Samala who screeches in fear. The Egyptian mocks her fearful scream, “Aww-aha” as she tosses the snake’s basket off the table. Standing, Kolo snickers at the Egyptian’s vile mood. Nepathi stirs it into the ashes, grumbling the spell as she chants,
“Accept the goat,
Take this poison,
Open your grip,
Give up Lola’s Shade.”
Darciana snickers, as Nepathi gets the rooster cutting its throat while glaring at her, letting its blood pour into her caldron. She tosses its carcass and cage. Nepathi says a curse in her own tongue sending a mist from her mouth at the Rambler. Kolo goes to the waste, as Darciana makes the horned sign with her fist and fingers, even while the Ramblers wrist is bound, as Nepathi’s mist becomes a scorpion; Darciana spits over the horned sign to block it.
She does a Hex on the Egyptian’s coming Curse. Darciana’s light moss-green mist with its runes fly at the darker murky green scorpion. Kolo grins, as Darciana’s brighter green mist hexing ball, hits Nepathi’s murky scorpion, dissolving the Egyptian’s pet scorpion, and her deadly curse. Nepathi fumes, “You will pay for that!” Kolo turns away. The Evil One cringes as he moves the dead snake from the squirming Queen’s lap, and pours oil on the rubbish.
Darciana becomes serious, as she sees the Egyptian’s mist is revealing a message, in the vapor. The Rambler nods to her, as she wonders what Nepathi has planned. The Evil One taps a torch to Nepathi’s refuse. Darciana watches the blaze with interest. Kolo scolds, “Do not distract yourselves from the jobs, or I will retaliate.” Exhausted, he watches the carcasses and cages burn. The Rambler finds it telling that he did not ignite it with his palms.
Usually, Kolo looks for reasons to flaunt his power of fire. Also watching this Nepathi nods to Darciana, thinking it proves Kolo is too weak, to bring his own flames. The Evil One moves from the blaze to lean on a wall, while he watches it burn. Once it is reduced to ash, Kolo opens the door to the Catacombs, and Darciana sees the smoke is moving. Even the lamp flickers as it did before when he went in to get the grave dirt.
Darciana feels it means there is air coming in. She hopes there is a way out down the tunnel. Flipping out his wings, Kolo blows the burning remnants into the passageway. Kolo closes the door, returning even slower, as he drops heavily into his seat. Darciana grins at his slow movements and groans of pain. The three are also intrigued with whom or what managed to destroy Lola’s Shade. None of the three want her to come back. They hope that Nepathi fails to do the spell correctly.
~RMW~