RMW
Chapter Eight
Best Laid Plans
~SV~
Blackstone Castle’s Front Gate, Before Noon 677, 26th, October
Her guard’s mist darkens his eyes insisting, “Tell me his name.” Donatello notices the Messenger’s fear, at his phasing into a Vampire. It means the Human has mystical blood; likely when his master healed him, after drinking from him. The Driver hisses, “You are a fool to ask of his business! It will have dire consequences for you!” Donatello scoffs, “I only care of what the consequences are for her! If his intentions are honest, why keep his name from me?”
The Messenger seethes, “Even if I could I would never tell you anything. I am loyal to my master!” Donatello urges, “Clearly you want to tell me of him.” The Driver whispers, “Hurry, give me her note! He will learn all you asked, for he always compels me to tell of our exchange, I am unable to lie.” Boldly, Donatello scoffs, “Well then, let me tell you what to say and you need not wait until he compels you. I do not think your master is one of integrity.”
The man tugs harder on Sidonia’s letter. Holding firm, Donatello scoffs, “If these notes are only about research, there is no reason for the fear I see in the Princess. If your master can reassure me… I shall apologize, and give him this note.” The Messenger is desperate, pulling harder on her letter. Donatello adds, “I believe he is too much of a coward to speak to me. Am I wrong?”
The Driver gasps, “You fool!” Donatello does not release it, causing the Human to pull even harder, until the parchment rips around the seal. Hearing it, the Messenger unclasps his grip, gasping in fear, “Oh no! What have I done!” The Driver’s eyes hold real terror, as he curses, “Bastard! Look what you caused!” He goes pale and he thrusts his arm through the gate’s bars, as he sees Sidonia’s Guard steps back from his reach; Donatello unfolds her letter.
It causes Kolo’s man to beg, “No. You must not read it!” The Human moans, “Do you understand what you have just done?” Her Guard is unmoved; yet glances up as Kolo’s man cries out in horror, “You are not just dooming yourself; your actions are dooming me as well! The Master will kill us both!” Her guard only scoffs at him.
Donatello silently begins to read what she wrote,
I received an unexpected visitor, which makes it impossible for me to meet you at our scheduled time. My former friend Reba from Witch Island arrived. While unannounced, it is welcome. I am sure you recall I mentioned her before and our falling out when she inadvertently died while doing a vision. They were able to bring her back; still she blamed me for my gift not showing me what happened, so I could warn her of the danger.
Reba wanted to come and tell me she forgives me, knowing it was not my intent nor fault that she was harmed. It is such a relief and kindness for her to make her apology in person. Reba also came with a missive from my former Instructors at the Five Element’s School. Apparently, their teaching methods came under a great deal of scrutiny, after Reba’s mishap was talked about in the village.
The Elders became involved and decided the school’s Oracle Training is needlessly dangerous and out of date. They ruled the school must cease all Oracle Training, until they approve and deem that the new lessons are safe enough to teach and put into practice. However, none of the Elders, nor even the advanced Oracles that were asked; are able to make time to assist them in creating the new safer lessons.
Reba says, “The rumor is, none of the Oracles want to assume responsibility and blame if their advice is taught wrong nor goes badly. Even the Elders began to argue about which method is safest, as each kind has their own ways of doing things.” So, the school has not been able to teach for a year now, losing funds and students to other schools. The Instructors are imploring me to return for a few days, and help them restructure the Oracle training.
I cannot refuse when doing so will save further students from suffering the kind of death Reba endured. Perhaps I will even save lives, as some in the past were not as fortunate as Reba, when they failed to revive those students. I am sure you will understand, I must leave right away, even though it means missing our scheduled visit. It is just as well, I have nothing to report, I did not find what you are seeking.
Since there is nowhere else for me to look, our business is concluded. I also no longer seek your help. Please find someone else to do your research, I will not make myself available to you. While I plan to be back in time to assist my father with the Territory Leaders Meeting, I do not intend to see you and ask that you respect my wishes, do not send for me. I am leaving this letter, to be given to you, as I will be gone before you shall receive it.
Sidonia
Donatello feels angry with himself, his phase recedes, as he folds up the letter. Yet, he then realizes that he did not see Reba arrive, hear of any visitor, and clearly Sidonia is still here. Calmer, he feels confident that she wrote these lies in order to avoid the Vampire. Since her ending comments were breaking off their future meetings, he changes his mind and gives it to the Messenger.
Stiffly, Donatello says, “I offer no regret for reading it and if it is as you say, it shall not anger him to have anyone know of it. So, I will let it stand as a warning.” Kolo’s man hisses, “You are a fool and the Master shall not forgive this!” Donatello’s jaw tightens, making his cheekbones even more prominent. He relaxes, as he sees why Sidonia said this is the last note she needs him to pass on.
The Princess’s Guard replies harshly, “He should find someone else to do his research. I am certain, if I were to ask King Anthony, he will think as I do, that there is something less than honorable about all of this.” The Driver goes pale and shakes as he mutters, “Where is the Princess? What has she told you?” Donatello scoffs, “Princess Sidonia left for Witch Island, yesterday.”
Her Guard adds, “Prior she said it was lists of items for the shop owner to order in for her, which clearly it is not, nor is he a shop owner.” The Messenger begins to walk away, the Human then turns back and states, “I wish you had not told me what you thought and what she might be feeling.” Donatello answers him, “You have only confirmed my suspicions.” He is glad Sidonia ended it.
Donatello watches the Driver pass the letter in the window, placing it in his master’s hand. Her guard stares at the carriage, into the unknown dark eyes of a light brown-haired Vampire, who now glares back. He acknowledges Donatello with a glint of hatred, in his strange beady brown eyes. With a tilt of his head, he gives her Guard a cruel grin. Donatello tries to imagine Sidonia in love with this average looking Vampire, and is disturbed by his own jealousy.
Yet, the Princess did not verbally deny it when he implied the note was for her lover, or did she? Tensely, the Driver asks, “Master, will there be a response?” Donatello sees his master’s reply as the door of the carriage suddenly opens. The thirty-year-old looking Vampire, grabs his driver pulling him inside. Hearing the crack of the Messenger’s neck, it is quick with little struggle, and only a slight scream. Donatello groans, knowing the fiend silenced the poor man’s horror. The cruel master tosses his driver out onto the road.
Donatello huffs to Heg, “Clearly, the fiend is a Vampire, just as the Messenger claimed, for he heard all we said to each other.” The carriage door closes, as the driverless horses take off, compelled by their Master. Trying not to show his dismay, Captain Heg asks, “What do we do with the body?” With sorrow, Donatello replies, “Please have your men bring him in, I will bury him at sunset.”
~*~
Mystical Realm, Noon, Dark Elf King’s Castle
The Light Elves were shown to a windowless room. Rather than the previous pleasant meeting room, it is a small courtroom. Vanna is so nervous that instead of taking the seats the Captain of the Dark Elves guards directs them to, Light Elf Queen Vanna asks him, “Can you tell me what the matter is?” He stiffens at her request.
The Dark Elf Guard looks to the hall, looking back at her, he vaguely says, “You can direct your questions to the King or the Arbitrators, once they arrive.” Vanna gasps, “Oh dear.” She sees her Captain of the small squad of guards they brought with them is also tense as he nods implying that he feels it too. Vanna goes to stand before her husband; he avoids her gaze, angering her further.
Vanna states in a whisper, “Something is not right here. The only reason to bring in an Arbitrator is for serious conflict caused by breaking a law.” He continues to look smug. She hisses, “Bailey, what did you do? Tell me what is going on here!” He pats her seat and she looks to her son Alrod, who is looking at the floor.
It startles Queen Vanna; unable to imagine why her son is unwilling to give her eye contact. Sick to her stomach with worry, as he is definitely guilty of something. Vanna is now absolutely livid with Bailey for leaving her out of this plan, she could have changed it. Sinking to her seat, not certain she wants to hear it; she wants to leave, yet is certain she will worry more while waiting to know.
Vanna hopes it is not as bad as she fears, King Bailey finally whispers, “Nothing to worry your pretty head over. Haldir was pulling out of our deal. Luckily, I had a backup plan. Alrod implemented it after Haldir foolishly refused the arranged marriage that I offered. It might be a bit sticky for a while. Still, you will see, that all will work out, and it is to our benefit in the end.”
Queen Vanna shakes her head, seething under her breath at him, “Haldir never said he refused the plan! You brought me into a volatile negotiation without even warning me beforehand! How dare you disrespect and endanger me this way? Trust me you will regret this! I shall not forgive it, you disrespectful, old fool!”
~*~
The first time Grekan entered Anthony’s Library, he was less hopeful of his new position, as the tall rows of front shelves kept him from realizing the entire size at a quick glance. Once he walked through it, Grekan was thrilled and never wished to leave. It is still the most extensive library he has ever seen, larger than most castles’ throne rooms. There are seating areas with tables on multiple levels.
Elegant sweeping staircases are at the center of the library, it is an open area, going up the five levels of the Castle. Sidonia’s favorite seat is by the windows, which enclose a garden. The Clerk studies until he has some good options. Grekan now brings the maps to a table by Sidonia, where she is working on her father’s upcoming meetings. Interrupting her, he announces, “I have two plans and seek your opinion of them.” She comes over to look at the maps.
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Grekan says, “Tell your father so he can protect you. Then you can hide in one of his other Castles.” She groans, “Telling Father is too drastic.” He urges, “It is smart and courageous.” She moans, “It is smarter to have a way to get out of this alive.” He mocks, “Anthony will not harm you.” Sidonia admits, “Yes, he will only think it a betrayal, which I feel shall cause a death of Father’s trust in me. While I deserve it, I still do not want to see it happen!”
He asks, “Must you go?” She shrugs, “I am certain, I want a plan in case I need it.” The Clerk frowns, “This Castle’s barrier should keep you safe.” She sighs, “I want to trust the barrier too; however, I want to live more.” He brightens, “Create a protective charm that prevents anyone from reading your mind, so you can stay.” Sidonia groans, “That was taught after I left. I require a spell or a witch capable of doing it, I know of no Witches in this realm.”
She admits, “I did ask how to create a charm. For some reason, I have not been able to get my gift to show me what I need, not even a vision of how to fix this mess I am in. Even once I put the book back, the barrier cannot protect me, if he enters our gate now, or for the quarterly meetings. If I am right, I will have no idea what he looks like, nor can I protect myself.” He groans, “Surely you c-?”
The dark girl cuts in, “If he attacks and bites me, he can compel me. He will then learn I found the book, where it is, and even how to get to it. Staying here is just too dangerous.” He groans, “I am at a loss then. It just seems hard to believe you are not safe even here.” Sidonia agrees, “I cannot get a vision to see my future for today. Yet, it shows me what I requested to plan for my father’s meetings. It did not show me at the quarterly meetings either.”
Sidonia adds, “This leads me to think that I am fated to leave here.” Grekan nods at this logic and says, “Perhaps you chose to go to another of your Castles so you will not have to see our foe.” She nods, “What is my reason for not staying to help Father with the meetings?” He suggests, “Maybe you told him the truth.” She states, “Well, I was not brave enough, and Father is no longer here. My letter will mislead the Evil One long enough to make a safe plan.”
Grekan is ready to argue; seeing this, she insists, “In case things go badly and I am forced to leave before my father returns.” Now Grekan has no argument for her logic, he gives in, “I will do what I can to help make a plan. There is Wolf Mountain Castle.” Sidonia urges, “We should find a distant shore an ocean away, so I am safe while I attempt to learn how to fix this mess that I caused.”
Pointing at the Mystical Realm map, the Clerk states, “The Forbidden Skull Island, where we found the book, is best. Our foe is unlikely to want to enter the ruins of the Dread Passing, and the Harrowing Village, just to climb Skull Mountain where the guards will keep him out. You will be safe in your father’s cave fortress, the Hallowed Castle.” He frowns, seeing that she is shaking her head.
She sighs, “It will be best if my father does not learn where I am. Any of those guards or staff, not to mention the protectors of the sealed Gateway to the Dark Realm, will know of my presence and inform Father. And there are no supplies on that island.” Grekan counters, “We just went to Witch Island when we needed anything. It will work to stay there, just long enough to plan his capture.”
Princess Sidonia groans, “That is where my note claims I am, and the Evil One will recall I lived there; trust me, he has his spies leaving for Witch Island already, just to find out if I really went there. I have a day or two at the most to make a plan.” Grekan is not discouraged, “Fine, there is Mermaid Island. Also, Wizard’s Island sounds intriguing to me; I would enjoy going there if I were you.” She sighs, “They also depend on Witch Island’s supplies.”
Grekan points, “There is the Banned Continent.” Sidonia shakes her head with dread, “I have never been, as many still cast off their criminals there, rather than losing coin to keep them in prison. It is a very dangerous place, which is why they banned it. That means finding a way to it will be nearly impossible. In fact, I doubt I can even get through the Gateway to enter the Mystical Realm. We should consider the Human Realm’s options first.” He nods.
The Librarian studies the Human Realm maps for a few moments. Getting a smile Grekan asks, “Who is the man known for killing vampires, you should be safe there, do you know where he lives?” Shuddering, she replies, “Blod Skullers was at Seaport when they hired him to kill the Rogue Vampire, causing the Territorial Leaders to learn of him. He died a long time ago. His Raven clan now live west, on a northern island, not detailed on this map.”
He asks, “How did you hear of it?” She answers, “Father told me the story, because of it being one of the nearest inhabited lands to the remote island I picked and name Helluland Island; for Father’s Wolfmen Clan.” Grekan gasps, “Why would you call it Helluland?” Chuckling Princess Sidonia recalls it, sighing, “A few things about that area are a bit… hellish.” Grekan urges, “In what way?”
Sidonia replies, “The sun does not go down for a month in the summer. I fear a month without night is less than ideal for a Bloodchild.” The Clerk smirks, “Well, other than another Vampire’s House, none of this is safe for you, or any Bloodchild.” She adds, “Also, the sun does not rise for a month causing their winters to be brutal.” His eyes are more gray than blue, as they widen.
Grekan gasps, “No sun for that long?” Nodding, she sighs, “It has heavy snow fall as well. There is also fog, caused by hot pools. I cannot go there nor to the Bearmen Clan’s Island. It is prohibited to be involved with either clan from the Mystical Realm.” He sighs, “It is a shame to learn of a few remote islands, only to have them not be an option.” She replies, “It is also further than I wish to travel.” He mumbles, “It seems that makes it more ideal.”
The Librarian questions, “Surely you can still go, who would find out?” Sidonia wears nine tiny long braids dangling down against her long wavy locks of hair. The individual braids swing with her head as she disagrees, “Father and Fate both said they would check on his clans. If Fate sees me, she is too likely to consider it as a betrayal of the agreement, blaming Father. Fate could even demand that all vampires have to leave her realm. It would be my fault.”
He says, “I am shocked the leaders did not slaughter Blod Skullers and his Raven Clan.” Princess Sidonia replies, “Fate will not allow the murder of her humans over a man executing a vampire. The Vampire also earned his death for killing her humans. Blod Skullers’ tale is intriguing.” The Dark Princess smiles, now realizing that Blod’s name is what seemed familiar about Blood Wrath.
Pointing to a closer group of islands, Grekan says, “Caledonia, or Balears Isles, both have magic beliefs. Neither island is an unreasonable distance from here.” Feeling hopeful, the dark girl leans in, seeing the routes she can take to get there. As she considers the islands, Sidonia believes it could require months to get there and back, as well as time to learn how to fix her mess.
She leaves Grekan to his work, doing more visions until she completes another three quarterly meetings, which gives her father a year’s worth. It is wearing to look into the future for that long, causing her to be dizzy. It scares her to think of being gone an entire year. Yet, it seems probable that it will take her a while to have all the needed visions in order to capture Kolo.
What worries her more, is she did not see herself at any of the meetings, meaning she is gone from Blackstone Castle for at least a year. Sidonia finishes painting the pictures for her latest stories. It keeps her mind off what she learned. Looking at her friend, she does not dare tell him of her fears nor share her plans; believing it is the only way to keep Kolo from learning where she is.
~*~
Grove of trees by the Rhein River, Before Sunset, 677, 26th, October
Kolo and Lola arrive slightly before sunset, leaving their carriage behind a grove of trees between Blackstone Castle and the village, by the Rhein River. Amusing herself, Lola taunts, “Once you fix your big blunder with the pretty Princess, we can finally go home.” Too weak to be mist, Kolo tries to ignore her mocking jests. Even though the sun is not down they risk it, under the shade.
The noise of the crunching leaves beneath his feet angers him, as there will be less coverage. Passing Lola, he stands under the thinner foliage. The setting sun hurts his eyes and skin; he brings his mist for protection, then focusses on Sidonia. Soon his mist weakens him and then it fades, forcing Kolo to step backwards, nearer to her. Lola snickers, at his smoldering skin; it is easy for her to be mist.
The daylight causes the Vampire and the Shade nearly the same pains and weaknesses, yet both are too eager to prove the other wrong to wait until after dark. Finally, it is sunset and it brings fog that covers the ground. Lola smirks, “I bet she is here, what will you bet that she is where she claims, in her wicked letter to you?”
Winning most of their wagers, Kolo grins darkly, at her invitation, “If you win you can pick her first torture; if I take her.” Lola questions, “If?” He states, “If she told anyone or has the book, she is mine. Otherwise, I will only compel her to forget, ordering her to continue seeking the book.” Lola rolls her eyes, “I feel you have already lost her, and you know, your power over her is dwindling.”
~*~
Blackstone Castle Library, Sunset, 677, 26th, October
Sidonia sets her painted pages in the fading sunlight to dry, planning to bind them with Viktor stories tomorrow. Seeing the Clerk has finished working, she asks, “Can we find two more islands?” Nodding, they go to the map, he says, “Once you said our foe almost died near Greece.” She agrees, “Someone told Ko- ah him, ‘it is a short flight over to Egypt.’ He got a late start, well after midnight, and had flown an hour over water when a storm came.”
The Dark Princess grins, “It became a thunder storm, he feared lightning might hit him, and tried to go back. By then the storm had concealed the shore and he was disoriented, and flew for nearly five hours not finding land. Exhausted, and soaked with rain, the Evil One was sinking nearer to the waves. As the storm cleared, he saw he was flying parallel to the shore, now it was getting light.”
Grekan huffs, “I wish he had died there.” Sidonia laughs, “He was nearly caught in the sun, before making land and finding shelter. He had feared water before, after he vowed never to fly over water again. It is why I am looking at islands.” Grekan asks, “Why did he fear it before?” She shrugs. He sighs, “Still, Egypt is safe if the Evil One nearly died. Your dark hair will not stand out and they have mystical beliefs, too. Kol-.” Her gasp cuts the Librarian off.
Defending his choice of using the Evil Ones name, Grekan lightly scoffs, “I never heard of the power to hear one’s own name and we used to say it all the time.” She replies, “I never heard of a vampire having flame, nevertheless he clearly has fire. I dare not test it nor him, after feeling its heat.” He gives in, asking, “So what about Egypt?” Sidonia sighs, “He still went; he just traveled over land.”
She adds, “As I said, I prefer an island.” He asks, “Did he hate it?” The Princess replies, “The Territorial Leader was annoyed that he was late. Still, he loved Egypt and is fascinated with their Necropolis; he wants to return soon.” Grekan groans, “Not there.” Time for work, Tik mist exits the library, he fears Sidonia leaving.
The Clerk sighs, “I have been to the Greek Isles; it is a few weeks with horses. This one has an abbey, and you will love all of their books.” The dark girl snickers, “They will not allow women at the abbey, and most religious leaders do not tolerate magic among their flocks or communities.” The Librarian says, “Well, they have other islands.” She nods, “Good, I would like one or two more.”
Grekan points, “Here are four islands grouped together. I recall hearing they have some magic at the Isle of Man and Faroe Island, I think.” It seems the Dark Princess is disinterested as she turns to the windows. Feeling off, she puts away her paints, stating, “It is too far. I doubt I will need more choices, so these are enough.”
Her friend fears her leaving him; it causes him to be agitated, as she acts finished. Grekan snips, “The ship ride is much shorter, than to the Northern Islands you went to.” Sidonia is distracted, “I did not sail… we used the Devil’s Dark Gateway… to transfer the Wolfmen to Helluland. Why mention it? I said I will not go there.” Again, the windows and darkening sky, draw Sidonia’s attention.
Grekan feels her pulling away, as he points to other islands. Instead of looking at the map, she puts her meeting notes into her bag. The Princess’s dismissiveness annoys him, he cautions, “You ask my opinion, yet are not listening. It is smarter to seek more. In case we get to a place and need to leave. We still have to discuss how we get there, and then survive.” Sidonia now puts on her cloak.
The Clerk is bothered that she has not answered him, it is too unlike her; he asks with concern, “Are you going outside?” She starts to shake her head, yet he sees she is uncertain. Noticing her eyes are unfocused, Grekan moves in front of her, trying to get her gaze; he says, “You promised to read to Viktor tonight; you do not need your cloak, or to leave the Castle for that. Are you just cold?”
Confused, the Dark Princess replies, “No. I-I need to go.” Suspicious, he insists, “Go where? What is more important than this, when even the ‘Best Laid Plans’ can go badly!” Sidonia gasps, “I am dizzy, I-I need some air.” Grekan takes her into the enclosed garden, “We have fresh air here.” She takes several deep breaths and they walk around it. She abruptly stops, “This is too small and confining.”
Her friend feels more concerned, as she adds, “I need my garden.” He tries to discourage her, “That is too risky, no one can see you here; try sitting for a moment.” Sidonia sits with him on the bench, then suddenly stands, “I must go to the garden gate.” Grekan asks, “What possible good will it do you, to be at the gate? Are you leaving out of it?” He stands with her, as she closes her eyes.
Grekan asks, “Do you want a drink?” The dark girl says, “If I go to Kolo, he will apologize, making things right. If he does, I can stay.” Grekan hisses at her, “Never!” She starts to go around him.
~RMW~