RMW
Chapter Six
Death Premonition
~SV~
Blackstone Castle, Sidonia’s room, Midnight, 677, 25th, October
The Dark Princess’s tired mind tells her the tune is likely just a lullaby that many people know; yet something else is nagging at her. Exhaustion, has her falling back asleep. A vision comes quickly pulling the Oracle into her Death Premonition, again. Sidonia’s interest in Wrath distracts her. Seeing the home, the Oracle points, “Wrath, it is this cottage I saw in my vision.” It all seems familiar.
The eerie feeling has her tense, as Blood Wrath asks, “My Queen, is it safe for you to enter?” She gives him a light laugh and likes his concern. Serious now, she replies, “He killed him earlier, we will only find his victim.” Yet, she whispers, “I will do another vision inside.” He opens the door quietly, and enters the dark home first. She silently comes in behind him, then stops, sensing danger.
The Oracle was going to move to his left and instead she goes right to avoid it. A vision comes, she warns Blood Wrath, “Knife on your right!” Yet, the killer throws the dagger at her, rather than at Blood. And Blood Wrath swings his sword removing the man’s head, yet not before he threw his blade. The foe’s knife flies at her before she can move, piercing Sidonia high in her abdomen.
Wrath watches as the killer’s head rolls toward Sidonia. The Oracle screams in pain, dropping to the floor, as the dead man’s head comes to rest beside her. Staring into the killer’s eyes, it fills her with fury, as she demands, “Why did he seek to kill me?” Looking at the hilt Sidonia blinks, it all happened simultaneously, so fast that it kept her from avoiding any of it. She is denied of her hopes to be with Blood. The dark girl looks up into Blood Wrath’s eyes.
As Wrath’s gaze goes wide in horror, she asks, “I have never even met this man, what has him seeking to kill me? Fate should have shown me this, so I can stop it. I was wrong, his knife was aimed at me, never at you!” Blood knows she is dying, as she gasps, “I am not ready, I have not even lived! This cannot be happening-.”
Eleven-year-old Prince Viktor Vlasac shakes his older sister, “Sidonia wake up! It is all right, wake up now!” The dark girl jerks up in bed breathing heavily with her green eyes looking wild, she moves the covers finding no dagger, nor blood, for it is only residual pain from her vision. She rubs her temples and breathes out with relief; telling him, “Thank you for stopping my dream-vision.”
Viktor sets his new book on her lap, laughing, “You were about to scream. What was the vision about?” Shaken, Sidonia re-ties the fallen ribbon in her black hair, “Just ‘Death Premonitions’ they can be deadly to watch.” He asks, “Whose death?” Sidonia groans at risking frightening Viktor. She takes his hand as she helps him onto her bed. She does not reply, trying to avoid telling him.
Her brother wickedly says, “I hope it is Captain Tik or Nusia, my Nanny.” Sidonia lightly scolds, “Viktor that is unkind.” The boy shrugs, and counters, “They earned it, by being unkind to me first.” She sighs, “True. No, it was my death.” He pouts, “What can you do about it?” She assures Viktor, “It is the second time I have seen this vision, so I am meant to fix it.” Yet, she is not as convinced.
Sidonia thinks it is frightening that the vision changed and odd that the man intends his dagger for her. The Princess has a light tone as she tells him, “It is no time soon, I do not know the tall blond man I am with, nor the village I was in, and he calls me his queen.” Viktor’s green eyes twinkle. Teasingly, he snorts, “You, a queen? It is just a dream, not a premonition.” She ruffles his dark curls.
Princess Sidonia recalls the intense feelings of desire she will have; it is surprising, as she has never felt it for anyone before. Now she is experiencing it for this mysterious man. Even though she had died, Sidonia smiles with belief that she will find Blood Wrath in the future and it is comforting. She cringes at foolishly trusting Kolo.
Viktor distracts her as he says, “I saw the new book you left in my room, will you read it please?” She begins, “There once was a man forced by Warring Angels into a battle against a Fallen Angel and his Demon Army.” Her brother points, “The man you painted looks a bit like Father, except for the long hair and his eye patch.”
Sidonia grins, “When the Fallen Angel sees he is losing to our hero, he convinces a bad witch to bring her beast army. The Witch’s army is extraordinary because she uses the darkest magic to craft men with creatures, turning them into monsters. The hero sees a red beast is going to kill one of the Warring Angels. He quickly kills the monster, saving the good Angel. The Witch screams in dismay.”
“Darkly the wicked Witch vows over her fallen, ‘I shall have my revenge!’ She yells at the hero, ‘You killed the red beast whom I loved! You will suffer for this.’ She sends her monsters after him.” Viktor gasps, “No.” Sidonia reads, “The man won the war saving all from being their slaves. They seal the Demon Army back in their prison. The hero is crowned king, he marries, and they have a son.”
“All love the Prince even if he is a bit wicked, often playing tricks.” Viktor laughs, “You put that in because I enjoy playing pranks on others.” She wiggles her eyebrows at him with a grin, and reads more, “As he grows up, he becomes a wise, kind, and handsome Prince-.” A knock at Sidonia’s door cuts in. Viktor huffs with worry; then whispers, “It is my nanny.” His sister nods.
Viktor urges, “Nusia will nag Father if she finds me here.” They both get off the bed. The sour woman knocks louder as Viktor opens the secret panel rushing inside. Nusia, his nanny, tries the Princess’s door. Waiting until Viktor closes the hidden passage behind him; Sidonia goes and unlocks her door. The dark girl lets the cranky woman push past her, as Nusia demands, “Who is in here?”
The Princess tilts her head up, as Nusia insists, “I heard you talking to someone.” Coldly, Sidonia states, “You are not my nanny, Nusia, and I do not need one. If you must know, you heard me reading aloud.” Nusia sneers, “He needs a paddling!” Sidonia angrily states, “If you even say that again, I will make certain you are marched out to the Front Gate, looking for a new position so fast your head will spin.” The older woman scoffs at the Princess.
Nusia believes it is only an idle threat, sneering, “Working on another dark tale for Prince Viktor? You are a fool to fill his head with such awful lies! Now where is he?” Princess Sidonia fumes, “What I do for my brother is not up to you. I am certain you shall find him in his room.” Nusia stomps out past her with irritation as Sidonia closes and bolts her door; grinning, she goes back to bed.
The Oracle dreams of a heavy fog, she sits in a boat, within a bay of dead trees. She sees no one, yet Sidonia senses that someone is coming for her. Looking for the danger, the girl sees a dark carriage pulling up by the shore. It fills her with tension, as Sidonia waits to see who will get out of the coach. A grim bloody form exits the carriage, she does not know who it is, as it is too dark. Coming toward the bay, its vicious aura is frighteningly familiar.
Suddenly Sidonia is laying in the dark, she touches the stone crypt that holds her, feeling she is suffocating. Fear has her successfully waking from the dream. Shaken, she gasps for breath, “What a grim nightmare.” Trying to relax, she recalls the dream of when she was three, realizing what bothered her. That necklace blocked Samala’s gift allowing the January Man to attack her mum. It means she was involved with him, since three years old.
It is why her mother feared and blamed her; certain she causes her capture. Sidonia needs to tell her father and puts on her robe. Walking toward his den, she is uncertain, wishing she tried for a vision first, to confirm her conclusions. Her mind hears Kolo’s threat, “Not even Anthony can protect you.” Shaken she stands in the doorway. Seeing the concern in her Father’s eyes, she recalls he will not have time. Sidonia decides to wait until he returns.
Anthony stands up, “I am ready to leave. Is there anything else before I go?” Her mind goes blank and she blurts out the first thing she grasps, “Viktor woke me after midnight from my Death Premonition.” Sidonia wants to kick herself as she sees her father’s face is now tense with concern. The dark girl rushes to pass it off as nothing, “As Viktor teased, it is likely just a nightmare.”
Sternly, her father says, “Tell me of it.” She sighs, “The Guard I am with calls me his Queen. I do not know him, or even the village we are in. So, it will be years away, and the warning makes it easy to change it.” He knows better. She tells, the first version, “The Blond Guard and I are solving a murder. The Killer threw a dagger at the Guard, he moved; I was in its path. I know to prevent it.”
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Her father’s deep blue eyes pierce hers, “Promise me, you will be careful! Oracles do not see everything, especially when it concerns their own future.” She understands this as well. Sidonia feels loved, “Yes Father, I am sure to avoid it.” She sighs, “What I really meant to speak to you about, is Viktor’s nanny. Nusia is ill tempered, and we should relieve her of the position. Her attitude is all about punishment, I never see her act kindly toward Viktor.
Sidonia fumes, “Instead, Nusia regularly spits out vicious threats and her aura has darkened recently.” One of his eyebrows comes up, as Sidonia admits, “I have not seen violence and do not know that she actually will hurt Viktor. Still a verbal threat can also do damage, making him feel unloved, unsafe, and afraid.” Anthony sighs, “The men are waiting, or I would deal with her now.”
Her father says, “Please act in Viktor’s best interest, if you need to. I trust you.” She nods, “If it cannot wait, I will speak with her.” Anthony has a weary smile, “Seek a vision, even if you get none, I favor your opinion. You may relieve Nusia of the position, of your own accord. If you do, be sure to have the guards with you ready to escort her out, so she cannot become violent.” She frowns.
He adds, “You will be surprised to find which ones act out when dismissed. Tell the guards to take her right to the outgoing coach or ferry, and watch her leave. I prefer she be far away from you, before being able to react. Be certain you pay the Nanny first; you can open my safe, and are welcome to the coins.” She gives him a hug, then pulls him down to kiss his cheek, “I love you father, please be careful.” Anthony smiles, yet his eyes are misty.
Her Father kisses her forehead saying, “I need you to remember, I love you more than you know, my Little Dark Princess.” She sees Edmund and Ormando are coming down the hall toward the den; it is unusual for them to be in their area, indicating the importance of their arrival. Sidonia says, “Good luck Father.” She slowly goes back to her room, as a feeling of dread settles in.
~*~
The Trulov brothers enter Anthony’s private den, as Ormando says, “The squads are ready and waiting below.” Anthony informs them, “Earlier Sidonia was able to give me more insight. The Light Elves are blaming their women, when in fact it is many of the elder men who are sterile. It is why they have been speaking with King Haldir over the past several months.”
Anthony adds, “The Light Elves were at the Dark Elf Kingdom, discussing a resolution to their recurring problem. While there, Light Elf King Haldir encouraged his son Alrod into pursuing the Dark Elf Princess. It was despicable of Haldir to push this.” Edmund snorts, “What does he hope to gain? And why do the Light Elves repeatedly blame their women, for the men becoming sterile?”
High Lord Anthony sighs with dread, shaking his head. Ormando says, “They never look at their own history and simply go with the best plan, by approaching another kingdom to get new brides for their younger men. I do not understand why the old refuse to accept their weakness, and do what works. Instead, they keep attempting something that threatens to start a war.”
Anthony states, “Ormando, you will be the Dark Elves’ advisor. I will handle the Light Elves.” He looks to the younger brother, “While you-.” Edmund cuts in, “Let me guess, I play spy and find out the dirt about both sides.” Ormando coldly smiles at his brother, taunting, “It is your own fault that you are the picture of a disreputable, ingrate, who acts as if he owes no loyalty to anyone.”
His younger brother fakes being stabbed in the heart by his words, then pretends to pluck it out and drops the imaginary dagger. Edmund then has a smirk, as if the harsh words were nothing, and mocks him, “You cannot hurt me more, brother.” Anthony chuckles, “I am sorry to have you continue such a ruse. Yet you are a believable master of deceit when I need it.” Edmund does a mocking royal bow with an added hand roll as his head comes down toward his legs. Coming up, he says, “Your actor awaits his script Sire.”
Anthony smiles, as Edmund adds, “I am always at your service.” Ormando scoffs, “I fear one day it shall not be an act.” Feeling his jealousy, Edmund says coldly, “Now that was, hurtful.” Anthony tsks Ormando, turning to the youngest there; he says, “I do not question your loyalty, Edmund. I never will.” Anthony proves it by adding, “You are a true friend, and I trust you with the lives of my children.” Edmund is touched by his sentiment, as he knows what the kids mean to him. Anthony nearly follows the brothers out.
Instead, he stops, stating, “Viktor. If you want, you can come down with me to say goodbye.” The hidden door opens and Prince Viktor gets a sly grin as he exits the secret passageway, “Bet I was there for a while before you sensed me.” He runs to his father who catches him up in his arms, as the King says, “It was midway into my discussion with the Trulov brothers.” Viktor asks, “Am I too big to have you hold me?” Grinning, Anthony says, “Not yet.”
He carries the Prince down seven flights of stairs into the bowels of the Castle. Viktor asks, “Why do I have to stay here, I want to come with? I can be good, remembering to not cause any trouble. I will not even pester you; I promise.” High Lord of the Vampires, King Anthony sighs, “Their kingdom is unknown to me, it is a dangerous situation, and I would never want to put you at risk. Can you be satisfied with being the ‘Lord of Castle Blackstone’ while I am gone?” Viktor nods, with almost a smile.
Frowning, Anthony groans, informing the Prince, “I lost track; Sidonia’s Birthday is coming up in five days. Hopefully, this will not take that long. Can you inform Grekan and Martha for me?” Viktor gets an important tone, “As Lord of Blackstone Castle, I will gladly handle it for you.” Anthony grins, “Good. Martha will want to fix you three a special dinner.” Viktor gets a sly smile at this.
Anthony adds, “Tell Grekan to take you to the village. He can help you get a gift for Sidonia, as he has access to my safe to give you the needed coins. I will try to be back before then.” Viktor is already conspiring, “I will have Martha make my favorite, gooseberry tarts!” His father chuckles, “Try to remember it is about what Sidonia might like, not just about getting your favorite dessert.” High Lord Anthony carries his son through the waiting squads.
Pressing his ring to the wall, it opens the door to the cave that holds his gateway. Walking to the inside wall, he again places his ring against it, as the circular dark space opens, it is then filled with green mist. Ormando leads their squads into the Dark Gateway, in order to enter the Mystical Realm on Grandess Destiny’s Island. Prince Viktor sighs, “I am Lord of the Castle.” The last is Edmund; winking at the Prince, he does a midair flip into the gateway.
Giggling, Viktor claps, “I want to learn to do that.” Since they are alone now Anthony asks Viktor with a grin, “Are you going to be a little less wicked while I am gone? Need I remind you that taking ash from the grate to mark up your nanny’s face is not wise?” His son shrugs, Anthony raises his eyebrow at his lack of culpability.
Viktor huffs, “I just wanted to see how Nusia would look with a good beard.” His son tries to explain, “She does not pull out or even cut the whiskers she has, so how am I to know she would be that mad? Besides, my nanny is the one who fell asleep during the lesson.” Anthony tries to hide his amusement as he shakes his head.
He then asks Viktor, “And what is the excuse for tying Grunt’s belt to the spindle in the back of his chair while he is eating his meal?” Viktor sighs, admitting with frustration, “I found the twine in the garden a few weeks ago, hoping it might be useful.” He feels trapped into confessing; yet his father’s slight smile helps.
Viktor continues, “It was in my pocket for so long, when the idea popped in my head, I just could not think of why it was bad. I was only trying to have some amusement, and he is so grumpy I thought he could use a laugh too. I did not guess he would become angry.” His father sighs at his son’s mischievousness. Still, he does not believe Viktor intends his tricks to be mean spirited.
He asks, “Can you promise not to indulge in any pranks while I am gone?” Viktor smirks, “I might be able to wait until you return, if I am thinking of what you will bring back from the Mystical Realm. Can you promise to look for something very interesting to get for me?” Anthony sighs, “My you have given me a challenge. Shall we decide on a color or size beforehand?”
Viktor thinks about it, “Red, if you can. I shall not be disappointed by a smaller size nor a different color, if it proves fascinating enough.” Anthony kisses his head and whispers in his ear, “Remember?” Viktor nods, as he puts a finger to his lips. Tilting his head Prince Viktor says, “You are worrying about Rorik again.” Anthony gives him a sad smile. Viktor states, “I do not need him.”
The young boy adds, “I noticed I am happier when he is not here.” Anthony nods; in a concerned tone his father says, “If things go badly, you know what I want you to do.” Viktor copies his father, by replying with a tone of equal seriousness, “Yes. I will do as you told me.” Acting grown up, his son adds, “If I sense danger, even if I do not see it, I will act. I will be brave if trouble comes.”
Sternly, his father adds, “If in trouble, stick to the plan!” Anthony reminds Viktor, “Promise me, you will do as I taught you. I want you safe, above all else!” Viktor has a sly grin, “Me in trouble? Never less than three times a day, my personal best is ten, so far.” Hearing his father’s groan, Viktor assures him. “None of it was too naughty. No need to even hide, yet I practiced anyway, just like you taught me.” Anthony waits, Prince Viktor sighs, “Fine.”
His son vows, “Until you return, I promise to keep my wickedness to a minimum, so I do not vex Sidonia.” Anthony grins, setting him on his feet, “I love you Viktor.” He enters the Dark Gateway; it closes behind him. Viktor has a shiver of fear as he is alone in the cave. It scares him into leaving. He feels disappointed in himself for already being afraid, and of a simple empty room. He rushes into the underground hot pool, where he takes a long swim.
~*~
Kolo’s Cottage, Hours After Midnight, 677, 26th, October
As Lola enters Samala’s old cottage, Kolo yells at her, “You have been gone most the night, leaving me alone!” Lola sneers, “How welcome you make me feel. I nearly went to our home, hoping you came to your senses and left this shack.” He admits, “I am too weak to leave and now I must stay to learn what she knows.”
Seeing the crumpled papers and the ink that covers his fingers, Lola picks one up to read it. She smirks, “Could you be more pathetic? Clearly you think it was a pipe dream, instead of writing your pretty little Princess with a good underlying threat.”
Kolo growls, “And you think that you can do it better?” Coldly, Lola states, “Of course I can. My mind is clear; unlike yours.”
He nods, getting another paper, as Lola says, “The message cannot be an open threat, just yet. It needs to be more of a missive that will just cause her some deep guilt, as well as a twinge of fear. That way she will hurry here tonight to reassure you.” She dictates.
~RMW~