RMW
Chapter Five
Psychic Cooper Cuff
~SV~
Anthony’s Den, before Midnight, 677, 25th, October
Sidonia says, “I would be fearful too! I can only imagine a human child’s terror, seeing that sort of magic!” Anthony nods, “I feared it was an ‘Evil Eye’ begging him to take it back. Refusing, he foretold my future, with stunning accuracy. I would have many dealings with Oracles when older, even marry one. This gift would also help my children and strengthen my daughter’s great gift.”
She gasps, “The Seer said that?” Smiling at her, Anthony nods, “I went back the next day, to ask him to move it to replace the eye my uncle stabbed. Regrettably, I was told he died, and passed shortly after I left. So, I did not believe I earned his favor as I did not actually save the Seer’s life. When I reported the crime, the attacker was sentenced to death. The wife said she accused her husband.”
Her father adds, “She told him what the old man said. She was naïve to her husband’s guilt, while there were clues, at that time she had ignored them. She found the evidence afterward and felt guilt for causing the old man’s death. I think it helped her to not mourn her husband and be wiser in who she picked next. The Seer’s eye gives me some flashes of the future.” His daughter nods.
The High Lord adds, “It’s gift allows my eyes to see auras around people, which helps me know their mood and intentions.” Sidonia says, “I have that, it is Synesthesia.” He nods, “It also tells me, when I look at it, if what I am dealing with is the truth or a lie.” Sidonia asks, “When did it become a ‘Psychic Copper Cuff’?” He sighs, “The Oracle Obsidian gave us power rings and Missive Messengers hidden within magical tattoos; to communicate with us.”
Anthony stands to get a drink; she believes the blond man in her dream is nearly his size. Anthony says, “The ring calls the Messenger from the tattoo, and the power stone opens its window to communicate within the realm or gateway to send notes while she worked in another realm. After the others left, she did my tattoo. At that time, I wore a leather cuff over the eye; always preferring that others not learn of the eye. Yet, she knew of it.”
He adds, “Obsidian took off the leather one, then brought out this longer metal cuff to put over it, she had made it for me.” Sidonia senses, “Then it is also magical?” Anthony nods, “It allows only me to see the eye through it. Obsidian spelled it saying, ‘I saw your Psychic Eye will be destroyed, during a battle in this war. A Demon severs your forearm off, just above it.’ She also did my tattoo, Missive Messenger, and gave me this ring to call it.”
Sidonia sighs, “It is fascinating.” Anthony smiles, “The metal cuff protected my arm; unlike my leather cuff could. As you guessed, she spelled the copper cuff to magnify the Psychic Eye’s abilities. I was stunned; Obsidian spent her valuable time and energy not knowing me well. She smirked, ‘You will earn these gifts, many times over during battles, because of the lives you save.’ Obsidian was right; yet, her cuff had a great deal to do with my success.”
He adds, “The eye tells me if I can trust someone, at this moment, for what I need. I prefer you do not share this story. I do not want others around here, who I need to deal with, learning anything of my gift.” He chuckles, “Unless you are by the fireside telling your children and grandchildren.” She nods; yet cannot imagine being married let alone having the responsibility of kids.
Her father asks, “Do you have further insight regarding my current Elves situation?” Sidonia’s eyes get a green glow as she replies, “Haldir’s daughter Alnesa is an only child. Haldir’s wife Ninna, lost her babies; so, they felt blessed to have Alnesa. The fact that Haldir was robbed of a son and someone else’s son has dared to be disrespectful to him, his wife, and his child is inexcusable.”
Anthony nods, as Sidonia adds, “He fears losing his daughter, as she wishes to live in the Light Elf Kingdom with Alrod. Prince Alrod met Princess Alnesa because he came with his father, Light Elf King Bailey, to request Haldir’s women to use as concubines. It feels wrong; that Bailey will send the women back home without their babies.” Anthony shakes his head in disgust, his dark brown and black streaked hair moves across his shoulders.
Sidonia adds, “While some might be willing to offer such a service for the right compensation, the way Bailey offers it to Haldir is as if he wants him to take offense. Yet, the Light Elves are not known for fighting.” Anthony agrees. She frowns at what she sees, “Still King Bailey is not concerned if it causes a war, believing he will win and be able to enslave the females, which seems unlikely.”
Her father suggests, “He might have a hired army.” Sidonia sighs, “Oh, yes. Well, if he hopes to recoup his expenses with what he takes, it seems plausible.” Anthony goes back to his carafe pouring another drink of blood mixed with liquor, to make certain he is at full energy. Again, Sidonia is impressed by his large stature as he moves gracefully, making it look effortless even in the small den.
It is unlike his spacious office, where he often has a few dozen men in it. Sidonia tells him the rest of what she sees about the Elves’ conflict. Anthony tells her some of his thoughts, which is rare, unless alone with family, “I will take the Trulov brothers, and a few squads with me. I hope it can be resolved in a few days. If longer, I believe you can handle things while I am gone.”
Looking her in the eyes, his expression, causes Sidonia to tense. Her father debates what he can say and states, “I trust you to look to your instincts, if something should happen. I want you to know, I feel you will use your gift to do what is best for you and Viktor. Still, I will advise that even when I try, I often feel that I have fail to anticipate every consequence. Just do your best.”
Softly, Anthony adds, “I am just telling you I am confident that I can trust your intentions were what you needed to do at that moment. I will not fault your choices. Try not to blame yourself either; just learn from it.” Sidonia says, “I appreciate your assurance and will do what I can.” She worries what his cuff might have told him of her. He holds back trying to obey the Oracle’s warning.
However, he wants to at least caution and help her, “Keep in mind that you are welcome to anything I own, to have or use for your own benefit. Just be wise and careful not to give any of it away to others.” The Dark Princess is glad she did not give Kolo the book. Anthony adds, “I prefer you to have it in the future, for you and your bloodline.” She goes to him, hugging her father, “I will be careful.”
Anthony kisses her forehead adding, “Always remember that I love you, my Dark Little Princess.” She giggles at him using his nickname for her. Sidonia holds him tighter, “I love you too, father. Good luck with their dispute.” Anthony’s embrace holds for a moment longer than usual. As her father watches her go, he sees her hair move on its own, gasping, Anthony holds out his hand.
He nearly calls her back to caution her about what it means. Clenching his fist and teeth to keep silent, he lowers his arm. Looking at his cuff it confirms his fears, and it tells him, he cannot inform her. Turning to the fire, Anthony is nearly certain this is the time the Oracle Obsidian foretold, about Sidonia and his book. It feels wrong not to inform Sidonia of all he knows. As much as he wishes to tell her everything, Obsidian ordered him not to.
She warned that saying anything of it would alter the outcome, and not for the better; it is why he resisted letting Sidonia take the book back. If this is the dire moment, he must trust that his book will save her life. He does not want to lose Sidonia, and fears it will be the way he lost her mother. He has a dark angry scowl, as he thinks of his wife; he sighs, “Sidonia will not act as her mother did.”
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Anthony looks up at the painting of them as a family; it is as if Samala’s dark aura were haunting him. Again, he is tempted to burn it. He only keeps it here for Viktor’s sake; he was old enough to mourn the loss of his mother, while too young to understand the sinister side of Samala. Anthony thinks it is wise not to expose Viktor to the truth, as it might crush his son’s spirit.
Still, Anthony suffers just at the sight of Samala. Often this last year when he first glances at Sidonia, he sees his wife, giving him a swift sharp pain before he can realize it is only his daughter. Anthony turns his back to the painting. Finishing his blood drink; he feels betrayed. The sway of Sidonia’s hair, has him angry with Obsidian and his cuff, as they both kept him from knowing.
Anthony struggles to believe it is her destiny to let it happen; not informing him, so he can prevent it. He fears it is the fiend who attacked Samala in the garden, while expecting their son. Afterward, her hair began to move and he has seen Viktor’s hair sway as well; knowing it is caused by his blood. He wants to protect Sidonia from all danger. Sighing, Anthony wishes Rorik were caring and kind.
If he asks for Rorik’s help, Anthony knows Viktor will be antagonized to tears, by his older half-brother. Rorik will also cause Sidonia guilt over things she had little or no control of; sadly, it is wiser to only have Donatello try to help them. Still, Anthony looks to his copper cuff, it agrees he cannot trust Rorik to help them.
~*~
Sidonia’s room, After Midnight, 677, 26th, October
Sidonia enters her room, dressing for bed she whispers, “I have fear of Kolo coming, and guilt for not telling Father everything. I need a distraction, or I will never sleep. Hmm, Blood Wrath; what a frightening name for someone I sense I will have feelings for. His name seems familiar somehow, yet right now my mind is too divided to remember why it is similar to something else.” She climbs in bed.
The dark girl worries, “Father’s last words were eerie this time. His warning to ‘not give his things away’ was a bit different. Before I had thought it was his awkward way of talking of the consequences when intimate with anyone. This time I could only have guilt for taking his book and nearly giving it to Kolo.” The Dark Princess questions herself with a whisper, “Why did I seek the book? I decided I did not want to find it; I even told him no!”
She groans with disappointment, “Now I must wait for Father in order to return his book to the Hallowed Castle on Skull Island. I cannot believe I failed to end things with Kolo! I need to receive a vision on how to break up, without making it all worse.” The dark girl tries and then groans, “No vision to help me and now my head aches! Still, I am determined to have this over with. Perhaps after a good night’s sleep, I can achieve a vision, or get some inspiration.”
Sighing, the Dark Princess whispers, “It will be easier to face father, once the book is where it belongs; maybe then, I can forgive myself also.” It takes some time before she can fall asleep. Sidonia receives a new dream-vision of an old forgotten memory, from when she was three years old. The little Princess holds out her mitten catching a snowflake, giggling at its beauty.
Her mother lets go of her other hand to point at a necklace in the store window. Samala gives her husband a mischievous smile. Waving him over, Samala gasps, “It is so lovely.” King Anthony teases, “As many necklaces as you have, I doubt this will look any lovelier against your skin.” Queen Samala pouts like a spoiled child; until distracted by the food vendor’s call, “Hot Biscuits!”
Grinning, she playfully kisses Anthony’s cheek. Samala orders him, “Take the children to the tables; I am going to buy us some warm biscuits.” Anthony replies, “Hand me your packages dear.” Samala whispers, “And this is why I love you.” Taking the bags, he watches her walk away. Ten-year-old Rorik runs ahead finding an empty spot; he sits down and waves to them.
Anthony notices Sidonia’s reluctance to follow, warning her, “If you want your biscuit hot you need to come with me.” She shakes her head, pointing to the necklace, and says, “I want to buy mum a gift for her birthday.” He picks his daughter up as he placates her, “We will come back without your mother so your gift is a surprise for her.” Sidonia feels he is evading getting the gift she wants, asking, “When?” He puts her on the bench beside Rorik.
She asks again, “When?” Anthony’s reply is too vague, “In a few evenings.” A town official starts to speak to Anthony; he turns, to listen. Stubbornly, Sidonia gets off the bench, as Rorik taunts, “If you leave, I will eat your biscuit.” Sidonia states, “I do not care.” Hurrying back to the shop she tries to open the door but it is too heavy; suddenly it starts to open, and is going to knock her over.
An adult male grabs Sidonia up out of the way of the opening door and the exiting client, just before it can harm her. She senses his anger at the leaving customer. Looking at him, the Princess gasps, “You are not my pa.” The stocky man’s scowl fades, as he says, “You are safe now.” He whistles an odd tune to her. It sounds as if it were a haunted lullaby, the gray-haired man observes, “You remind me of my sister, she was a willful child, hmm-still is.”
Sidonia smiles, pointing, “I want to buy that necklace for my mum. I have coins.” The older male looks to Anthony and then at the shop, grinning darkly as he offers, “When you come back as your pa promised, I will have it for you, all wrapped up with a bow.” She nods and he sets her down. Princess Sidonia runs back to her seat at the table. The gray-haired man buys the necklace and goes to a meadow where he noticed a group of Ramblers were camped.
He asks a wrinkled man, “Who can do a blocking charm.” The Rambler says with suspicion, “Tis not what we offer, tis dark magic.” The stocky man pulls out a bag of coins, shaking it as he asks coldly, “Who does?” Not wanting the others in camp to overhear, the old man lowers his voice, “There is one who is shunned by us, and even cast out of his Cauldron, for continuing to do such things. You need to go west, to the Yellow Hill Clan.”
The Rambler holds out his hand, once he is paid, the old man pockets the coins. He whispers the other Rambler’s name, telling him, “His daughter Darciana knows how to do that spell.” He points with a smirk, “But speak to him, he will convince her, for the right price. They camp down by the river.” The gray-haired man nods.
When Anthony brings the children back a few nights later, Sidonia looks through the villagers for the gray-haired man who promised to have her gift. Anthony sets her down to buy roasted nuts for them. Hearing someone whistling the same odd tune, the Princess knows it must be the stocky older looking man and quickly runs through the crowd. She sees the distinguished gray-haired man.
Tugging on the man’s coat, once he turns to her, Princess Sidonia proudly says, “I am ready to buy the necklace.” He grins, “Let me see your coins.” She tells him, “I earned them myself.” Getting them out of her pocket, she places them in his hand as he says, “You remind me of a winter butterfly; flitting here and there, unaware of the danger as you go wherever you want.”
The Princess smiles, “I like butterflies. I have not seen any this winter.” He taps her nose, “I have, because they are magical and trapped indoors.” Giggling, she imagines the butterflies inside of her bedroom. He hands her a small wrapped box instructing her, “Do not lose this, and make certain you give it to your mother.” Sidonia accepts it and says, “Thank You.” She runs back to her father.
Rorik saw she was missing, and now pinches her cheek, scolding, “You were not supposed to leave. Are you trying to get me into more trouble?” Princess Sidonia frowns explaining, “I just went to get my gift for mum.” Her father pays for the nuts. Turning to offer some to them, Anthony notices the box in her hands. He is worried, and asks, “Where did you get that?” Rorik tattles on her, “She ran off by herself, before either of us saw.”
Sidonia corrects Rorik, “I only did what pa said.” She looks at her father, “You said I could get a gift now. That is why I left, and bought mum a gift for her birthday.” Anthony’s concern shows on his face, “Who did you get it from?” She shrugs not knowing his name, asking, “Can I have some butterflies for my room?” Her father looks around, yet sees no one is watching them that she might have been with. Anthony now suspects his wife came to give Sidonia the box and assumes her mother swore the Princess to secrecy.
He chuckles, “I will look for some butterflies. Please remember I do not want you going off by yourself.” He shakes his head at Samala’s clever ploy to get the necklace she saw and desired. As they walk past the shop window, Anthony sees the necklace is now gone, confirming his suspicions. Yet, he wishes Samala had not worried him. The event from Sidonia’s past fades; her dream-vision turns into a directive; Kolo angrily demands, “Bring me the book!”
Still night, Sidonia wakes to the vague command, resisting it. The Oracle thinks of her vision, it is an old memory she had not recalled in over a decade. She feels guilt, knowing what the necklace caused, now recalling Kolo even bragged of it during his stupor. Frustrated with her gift, “If you are going to bother my sleep with a vision, can it at least be helpful and deal with my current problems?”
She groans, “Winter butterflies, ridiculous. What is the reason for a pointless haunting of when I was three! Yes, I should have trusted Father to get the necklace and described the man to him.” Sidonia starts to recall the tune the older man had whistled. The Princess now remembers hearing Kolo hum it often.
~RMW~