RMW
Chapter Thirty-Three
Her Daughter, His Book, My Sister
~SV~
Kolo’s Craftroom, After Sunset, 677, 28th, October
The Evil One bemoans using his wings for it has exhausted him further. Seeing his empty bottle, he gets another. Two of the Witches are careful not to bring their awareness of his weakness to his attention. Nepathi goes back to glaring at Darciana. As she grinds two dried bat wings with the mortar and pestle, giving the Rambler glares, she needs Kolo to think, it is for Darciana killing her scorpion. Nepathi dumps the bat’s remains into the caldron.
Darciana mocks, “I suggest you start a fire under your caldron, dear.” Kolo frowns, as the Rambler adds, “Otherwise, you might as well just use the bowl for everything.” The Evil One now sees the lack of a flame and scolds Nepathi, “Yes, do start its fire.” The Egyptian tosses the knife at Darciana. The dagger hits against her neck, impaling into the back of the Rambler’s chair. The blade has slightly slit into The Rambler’s skin, at her neck.
Darciana raises an eyebrow, at the Egyptian’s skillful knife throwing. She tries to assume, Nepathi had not intended to hit her throat, still she cringes at the Egyptian’s deadly accuracy. Nepathi ignites the oil burner’s fire below the caldron, seething darkly, “Thank you.” The Rambler manages not to show her dismay at the knife cutting her. Kolo questions Darciana, “Well, my little Rambler, have you forgotten what you are supposed to be doing?”
The Rambler shrugs, leaning away from the knife’s blade, as she says, “You have not told me, yet.” Frowning at his mistake, the Evil One fumes, “You should assume, that as usual, I expect you to be looking for his book! If Sidonia left with the book, like I suspect, then the barrier at the castle should no longer keep either of you from seeing it or her.” He gets Darciana’s Divining Bag, dropping it before her. The Rambler agrees, “I need my hand.” He asks, “Why?”
Darciana replies, “To toss and read the ‘Sticks and Stones’.” He says, “No.” Opening the Rambler’s bag, Kolo dumps out the odd jumble of strange items. As the power objects fall in front of Darciana, Kolo asks, “Why do you call them Sticks and Stones?” The Rambler ignores him as she whispers; “Show me the book I seek.” She sighs, “It must be protected I still do not see it.”
The Evil One quips, “And, I do not see how your pathetic things can tell you anything.” Darciana is deeply insulted, as each item holds a personal memory. It also took her years, to do them, as it drained her to imbue each object so it turns it into a power item.
~*~
Blackstone Castle, After Sunset, 677, 28th, October
Viktor wonders if Grekan is in the library with the door locked. He goes to the nearest secret door panel; it opens into the small conversation room where three halls meet. After spying to make certain no one is in view, he exits the panel and runs to the library door; it remains locked. He uses his master keys to open it and locks himself inside the Library.
The Prince wanders through it looking at the different books on the many shelves. He does not find Grekan there so he is more certain he left. After a few hours, the library starts to feel haunted. Viktor puts his books back, and leaves. Locking it, he runs back to where the three halls meet. He glimpses Nusia entering the hall from the dining room. Catching sight of him, she screams, “I saw you!”
~*~
Angrily, the Rambler scoffs, “No, you would not see, since you are just a glorified Sorcerer. You do not have enough magic on your own and without your twin, so you require that crystal you bought, or did she steal it for you too?” He hits the table with his fist, hurting himself. She shrugs, saying, “Fine. I need my wood paintings if I hope to break through its protection. I shall have to place them and turn each tile to reveal clues to what I seek.” He says, “No.”
He points to her items. Darciana still insists, “You ask me to do something important and then refuse to un-cuff even one of my wrists?” If she can get him to release her hand long enough to hold her power items, she might be able to get free or even kill him; it will be worth draining them. Kolo spits at the Witches, “I believe you will agree that I have been pleasant so far. Just look at me.” They wince at what they see. His wounds are still red and oozing.
They flinch as the Evil One’s tone becomes darkly threatening, “You see that my pain and aches are far more miserable than the three of yours are. Even if all your pain was put together.” Darciana says, “I am not at full strength, so I need one of my hands to properly use my tools.” Kolo calms himself, “No.” She rests against the chair, in defiance. It causes Kolo to hiss, “Use what is before you! I tossed it and it is for me, so it should work.”
Darciana rolls her eyes; then suggests, “More blood will help me see.” He says, “No.” Glaring at them, Kolo hisses, “I can tell you this.” He shakes with his fury, “I did not have such a skilled awakening, as I gave you three. My dear sister had to improvise, under forced circumstances.” Two of the three fake sympathy. Kolo drinks, then adds, “We were not home. She did not have this well-filled Craftroom, nor my books, and Sorcerer’s Staff.”
The Evil one spits, “You need to keep me happy, or this will be-.” He pauses for effect, using one of Lola’s tactics; they tense, and he waits until he sees their fear. Kolo finishes, “-a very painful awakening that none shall ever forget!” Two nod, he sits; the Queen is seething. Fuming at his latest atrocities against her and her son Rorik; she visualizes plunging a dagger into Kolo and then twisting it. Venomously, Samala says, “Aw, so you finally died!”
~*~
Nusia yells after the fleeing Prince, “You have not done a single lesson in days! You have wasted my time looking for you. Come here or I will tell your father!” Viktor giggles, now out of her sight, he enters the secret door. At the spyhole, he silences his laugh and watches her come in. Prince Viktor holds still, putting a hand over his mouth. He knows even one sound, might expose all their secret passageways. His nanny enters, and stops a few yards away.
She turns looking down the other two halls, wondering which way he had gone. Nusia attempts to hear his footsteps but all is silent. The Nanny curses, “I will find you, and I will make sure that you are very sorry when I do. I will tan your hide, you rotten little turd! Do you think your father will be proud of your childish behavior?” Viktor’s smile fades, not wanting to disappoint his father.
The Prince remembers what his father told him, that he wanted him safe above all else. Viktor relaxes, believing he is trying to avoid danger. The dark boy still fears what his nanny meant when she threatened to tan his hide. Nusia marches off in the direction of the library. Viktor’s stomach growls, so he goes down a stairway and then back up, to the kitchen’s hidden door. There Prince Viktor spies on the staff, as he patiently waits for the kitchen to be empty.
~*~
Darciana gasps and Nepathi flinches, at Samala’s stupidity of rubbing Kolo’s death in his face. They shake their heads at her, as the Mad Queen sees, yet does not heed their warning. Kolo glares, “Why does my momentary death interest you?” The Witches watch with irritation, as Samala sneers, “Because you keep murdering me! I am curious who finally return the favor, killing you.” Kolo huffs, “I already told you; it was the deadly dark magic barrier.” She sniffs.
The Mad Queen says with annoyance, “You only implied it caused your burns, never saying it killed you, and I do not recall that it is deadly.” He seethes, “Well, now you know.” She taunts him, “However short lived, at least your pain and death are possible.” Gleefully, the Queen adds, “I will sleep well tonight.” Kolo mocks, “We sleep during the day. And, if you cannot tell, the sun has just set. I will be unsurprised if we continue this long into the night.”
He smirks, “Now, I am planning a new death; so you will regret that you ever asked me.” Kolo goes to fill his cup; Nepathi quickly brings the packet from under the bowl. Palming the poison, the Egyptian walks around the table, pulls the knife from Darciana’s chair, letting it slip through her fingers, it falls to the floor. Kolo drinks as Nepathi goes to pick it up. She also puts her hand on the Queen’s arm rest as if weak, needing its support to help her standup.
Nepathi skillfully places the poison packet, by sliding it under Samala’s palm, as she stands with the knife. Kolo watches the Egyptian come back to her seat to chop up the caterpillar and mushrooms. He sits, seeing Samala looks pleased at the others’ tasks. Kolo orders her, “If you wish to escape a painful death, you better find your daughter.” Samala snarls, “Why do you want her?” The Evil One glares at her then smiles, admitting, “I plan to kill her.”
Samala shows no emotion, at his reason. The Rambler is stunned with disbelief that he asked the Queen to find Sidonia, yet senses Samala’s anger, at her own daughter. Looking back at the Evil One, Darciana feels that Kolo knows the Queen is pleased at his desire to kill Sidonia, rather than capture her. It causes the Rambler’s skin to crawl, at the possibility of Samala having such hate.
~*~
Nauti Mermaid Inn, After Sunset, 677, 28th, October
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Lurky arrives at the next town, he asks at the stable, “Did a female get or bring in a carriage here?” The man shakes his head. Feeling too tired to go on, Lurky stables his horse, and goes to the Nauti Mermaid Inn. Standing at the bar, he orders an ale and asks, “Did a female with long dark hair get a room here tonight?”
The barman replies, “No women rented a room.” Lurky asks, “Did the River Ferry come in yet?” The barman nods, “It left over an hour ago.” Lurky states, “I thought the Ferry would stop here for the night.” The barman hands him an ale and replies, “Aah, no, it only has a few times, during bad weather. It usually docks at Half Moon Bay’s pier.” The barman adds, “It is still a few hours west of here.”
~*~
Darciana watches intently to see how much of Samala’s intentions are false, as Kolo smiles, “If you are quick about it, I might let you help.” Samala keeps a stony expression; nevertheless, Darciana sees something in her eyes and knows the Queen is unsurprised by his request. Once Samala assumes Darciana is busy, Samala nods to Kolo, and he nods back accepting she has agreed.
Kolo looks around his craft-table at his three lovely captives as they work on their tasks. The Egyptian has slight lips, a strong straight nose, high cheekbones, and something about her eyes are unforgettable. Then he realizes what it is. There is little difference between Nepathi’s iris color and her pupils, giving him haunted thoughts of looking into endlessly dark pools.
Samala’s green eyes are exhilarating, it is all he sees, when they gaze at him. Darciana’s golden brown eyes are warm and her oval face is pleasing, most of all he finds her plump lips to be very seductive. The Egyptian stirs the bubbling caldron, chanting,
“Stand in the Devil’s Pulpit
As you command, give breath
To the Angel’s Trumpet.
Blow her onto your Webcap.”
Nepathi does symbols with her hands as she adds,
“Don the Skullcap and make a crack.
Let her see a way to come back.
On bat wings let her fly with might.
Return Lola to this realm’s grave this night.”
~*~
Lurky goes to sit down, and only now sees his two mates. Weasel groans, “Did not do us much good to hide the horses around the back.” Bull frowns, looking up, as Lurky walks over, and fumes at them, “You are supposed to be ahead of me. You should have made it to Half Moon Bay by now! I was counting on you being there to check the stables, inns, and meet the Ferry. It stops there for the night and all of the passengers will get off to get a room.”
They shrug, as Lurky says, “I bet you would have seen her. Now I cannot stay here, we need to ride there and be up early to see if the Princess boards it or gets a horse.” Bull says, “I am hungry; buy us food before we go with you to Half Moon Bay.” Weasel nods. Lurky agrees. When he leaves, Bull grins at Weasel who snickers, certain they will end up sleeping here instead of leaving.
Lurky sets their bowls of stew down, digging into his own, Lurky feels tired and weary. Once he is done eating, he feels a bit better and tries to rally them, “I figure it is very likely that we find her tonight; then we can head back to Blackstone Castle. We might make it there after only spending two days of our time and receive our reward that will set us up for the winter.”
~*~
Since becoming a vampire, the Rambler’s body is no longer taken over throwing her head back when she receives or seeks a vision. Darciana finds it very helpful as it conceals when she is using her gift to spy on Kolo, trying to find a way to escape him. It also keeps Kolo from knowing that she chooses not to do his requested visions; instead, Darciana sees Lola’s death, getting a wicked grin. Next, the Rambler reviews, Nepathi’s actions to know how to help.
She now guesses what the Witch has planned; Kolo sees her smiling. Darciana keeps him from guessing by reassuring him that they are not friends, as she mocks Nepathi’s attempt at her spell, “Your mispronunciation keeps it from rhyming.” The Egyptian swears at her in her own tongue. Kolo smirks, being fluent in her language. The Rambler whispers darkly. Nepathi plays their game, “If he believes you are capable of doing it, I would not have to!”
Darciana glares, as the Egyptian adds, “And you used the wrong chant for your vision of the book.” The Rambler smiles, “Oh no darling, I do not require a spell, for a vision. You heard the Hex I put on you. I hope you enjoy the wait.” Recalling the Rambler’s words, Nepathi realizes the meaning of what Darciana whispered. The Egyptian’s eyes go wide as her hand goes to her hair. The lock comes free; she screams, “You demon cursed rotten Rambler!”
Smugly, Darciana replies, “You should recognize by now that my Rambler blood is superior to yours. So, I do not need chants or tools in order to get my visions.” Nepathi scoffs, “Liar! You just said you needed your tools!” Kolo taunts, “Now girls. No reason to pick and poop on each other’s work.” In a darker tone Kolo adds, “I will punish whomever fails. If another causes it, they will also suffer my full fury.” The three Witches sulk, in discomfort.
He sees that the Rambler does not appear to be trying. Kolo growls, “Darciana, if you do not need tools, why are you failing? Focus on the Blood Warrior book for me. Usually, I allow your fun, however this time it is important that we hurry.” The Rambler digs one fingernail into the other finger until she bleeds, smiling at the idea and pain. Darciana dips her finger into the blood and writes a rune mark onto the wood armrest, contemplating how to hex him.
Grinning, the Rambler thinks her Hex, ‘You who bound me, your evil doings shall make you choke!’ Kolo starts coughing, and reaches for his cup. The Evil One quickly drinks it, Darciana looks to Nepathi, who nods with a grin. Still choking, he gives an accusing glare to the Rambler, with suspicion. Finally, clearing his throat, Kolo gasps, “Did you do this to me?” She huffs, “No.” The Rambler knows she is too weak to do a lethal hex; if she tries it will kill her.
~*~
Lurky says to his mates, “If lucky, we will be paid enough to not worry for years.” Bull lifts his empty mug, Lurky goes to fill all three, as he comes back, one of four men at a nearby table offers Lurky, “I overheard a bit; we are sailing to Half Moon Bay, if you want a ride.” Shaking his head, Lurky replies, “Thanks, but we need our horses.” The Fisherman nods; Lurky adds, “If you see a runaway girl there grab her and keep her, I will pay you good money for her.”
They agree, so Lurky gives them Sidonia’s details and some coin. Weasel starts gagging, they all look at him, he shrugs. The Fisherman says, “We will look tonight. If we do not find her, we will stay at the pier long enough to check again in the morning, before fishing.” Lurky tells his mates, “We will sleep here tonight.” Bull and Lurky watch, as Weasel pours some of his drink on his arm; Lurky questions, “What sort of animal made that wound?”
Shrugging, Weasel looks at his gouges caused by Sidonia’s Panther Bracelet, and replies, “I just remember falling; it is very angry. And now I keep gagging, do you think it caused it?” Lurky shrugs, and Bull mocks, “Bet you fought a dog for a bone and lost.” Lurky states, “Too wide to be a dog’s claws, tis more likely to be a huge wolf, cannot see him living if it were a bear attack.”
~*~
Darciana senses her childish prank, will do what Nepathi asked and does it again, just to enjoy seeing Kolo choke. Angrily, the Evil One points at the three Witches, “You each have your own duties. So, work on finding ‘Her Daughter, His Book, My Sister’, now!” Darciana re-does her rune mark in her blood, it causes Kolo to start coughing again. He fears she is hexing him, “How are you doing this, you are in irons!” Darciana smiles, “Precisely!”
The Rambler huffs. “While we can do child’s play and even throw mist, we will never get your requested vision! Nor can she bring Lola back when the iron is keeping us from success.” Nepathi agrees, “I did not see my mist when I chanted. You might as well have your Mad Queen do your bloody spell, as it will require my power for it to work, otherwise it will never succeed.” Kolo is not able to discount the two Witches reasoning, nor had he seen her mist.
Darciana nods, “You should have these cuffs in copper when needing our help.” Kolo contemplates it a moment. He limps over to Nepathi, taking the knife off the table and places it in the drawer. Kolo also removes the caldron, bowl, and burner. He places them on the side table, by the cabinet of grimoires, well out of the Egyptian’s reach. Nepathi sighs with relief, that Darciana’s efforts, are working. He checks to see she has no leftover items; he even makes her stand.
Once certain the table is clear of all objects, he leaves closing the entry door behind him. Nepathi waits for him to be far enough away, then whispers, “Very clever Rambler. Soon I will be able to overpower him.” Samala retorts, “It will not do you any good!” The furious Queen seethes at Nepathi, “Once that Shade arrives. You are stupidly returning the vile Lola and she will prevent us from harming her beloved brother! We will never get out of here now!”
Darciana hisses, “Hold your tongue Mad Queen. It is not like she has other choices.” Nepathi stands going around the table to Samala. The Egyptian gets the poison packet from under Samala’s hand, fuming, “I am hoping to kill him before finishing the spell, and I would gladly remove your foul tongue, if he left the knife.” The Egyptian knows trusting the Mad Queen was a gamble. Yet, she feels even Samala wants her freedom more than Kolo’s affections.
Queen Samala quips, “If you can do a Scorpion Hex, surely you can stop Lola.” Nepathi huffs, “It was nonlethal, doing something deadly without the help of a power item, while weak, will likely kill any witch. If I were certain the poison would kill him, I would risk sabotaging the spell to keep Lola gone.”
~*~
Once Prince Viktor sees the kitchen is empty, he rushes in to get what he needs and then escapes back into the secret door before anyone enters seeing him. He returns to his hidden room, but is lonely by himself, so he gets his wooden soldiers. Placing them around the table, the Prince pretends one is Donatello, as he talks to it, “Did you see how empty Sidonia’s room was? I wonder how she moved it all and where she put it, and why she hid it.”
Viktor says, “I am not too worried about Sidonia, her power lets her know what will happen. And what others are thinking. I do not believe she would leave me if I were in any real danger. I wonder where she went. Still, you told me of the Evil Two and the spies. I need to find you, so I can learn more. Did you go with Sidonia? I will try looking for Don- I mean you, after I eat.”
~*~
Arriving in camp, Endora tells Sidonia, “Warm up at the fire while I look at Myrtle’s son. I have something to tell you before you go.” Sidonia watches her rush off toward Charles and sees Eddirk is there. The dark girl cannot help thinking she is endangering them all by staying. At the fire, she seeks a vision to see if it is safe to walk to the pier. Instead, the Princess becomes dizzy; quickly she sits down and knows she is too weak to walk much further.
Holding a vision while finding Charles has seriously drained her gift to the point of not being able to use it. Worse, it has physically weakened her. Hazel comes over, giving her a bowl of stew and bread. Sidonia smiles, “Oh, thank you.” As the dark girl eats, she realizes it is the first time she had food today; knowing it will help. Olive hands her a mug and takes her empty bowl. Sidonia thanks her and tries to distract herself from fears of Kolo.
Yet, the dark shadows cause her dread, as she waits for Eddirk’s doorway. She imagines Blood Wrath is here, yet her smile fades suspecting she visualized him because she is weak. This bothers her, and she is in a dangerous situation, she feels incapable of fighting anyone off. More concerning is her lack of ability to block others with the gift, from finding her, or reading her thoughts to learn her plans. Yet she did plan for this.
It is why she did not tell Grekan even though she wanted to confide in him; he is safer not knowing her plans. Whispers, interrupt Sidonia’s thoughts, she gets a cold grin. The girl sees the men she is overhearing in the shadows of the trees. Robert tells his three pals, “If you hold her in the woods, I can go find the man I met in town. He promised, once he has her, he will pay me more coin. You have my word, that I will get some coin for all of you too.”
~RMW~