RMW
Blood Wolf Moon
By
Sylvia Vallace
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Book Two
Of the
Ramblings of the Mad Woman series
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WBM
Act One
Blood Warrior Book
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Chapter One
Evil Blood
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Half Moon Bay’s Wharf, Midnight, 677, 28th, October
Princess Sidonia Vlasac feels a sharp pain, as fangs sink into her hand. She tries to see, there is only a darkened image and the sense that it is Kolo. Sidonia fights, yet is unable to hit the Evil One with her free fist. She struggles against his vile influence, which seems to be flowing into her like a drug, she fears it will take her freedom. The Dark Princess is alone, asleep in the Ferry, at Half Moon Bay. Her nightmare of the Evil One, brings her nearly awake.
It has the Oracle thinking of her unanswered questions; ‘I do not recall how or if, Kolo forced his blood on me. How else, did Kolo bring me out of the Castle, against my will? I should have been brave, breaking up to his face, months ago. Was I only weak, his victim, or a coward?’ Touching the amulet for protection; the necklace answers her questions in a dream-vision; This event was six months ago, in March; Sidonia arrived at his home at sunset.
The Dark Princess gets a sensation of her abilities being blocked, as she nears the fenced lot. This is her first time, meeting Kolo here. Uneasy, she rereads his note; it is the right place. Sidonia hesitantly unlatches the gate; and feels the metal’s sting, burning within her grip; gasping, ‘This fence is made of iron, which is why it blocked my senses.’ Instead of having fear, the dark girl just grins, ‘And the iron’s sting, means my Dhampirica powers are starting.’
Determined she goes down the path, ‘I will use it to be braver, as I decline to help Kolo, and break off my agreement to marry him!’ She pushes by the overgrown plants and bushes; seeing the old cottage Kolo purchased. Sidonia stops in disbelief, feeling its rundown condition is dangerous, “I should have insisted on still meeting at the bookshop. His home looks abandon.” As she goes up the wood stairs it moves, and she worries, “They might collapse.”
Carefully, she makes it onto the porch, yet the leaning rickety structure, groans under her weight. Getting out the key he sent, she nears the door, there are layers of dirt and mold on the exterior of the rock cottage, ‘Kolo’s note said he purchased this place, for the quarterly meetings at the castle. Yet, I did not see him at either of the last two territorial leader’s meetings, which I attended, while helping Father.’ The wood porch sags feeling weak, as she uses the key.
Sidonia fears breaking through, she quickly opens his door. Entering Kolo’s home, there is a lamp burning on his entry table, which is covered with a dirty dust, there are also an abundance of old cobwebs hanging in the corners and against the walls, as she goes down the hallway. Hesitantly, she enters the parlor, yet stops sensing it is wrong to be here. She then discounts the feeling as dislike of the dark, cobwebs and dust layered furniture, doubting they are Kolo’s.
The Princess goes to the nearest chair, debating on sitting, it appears the inside of the seat and back were wiped off, yet prefers to stand. Not intending to stay she has no need to sit. The dark girl frowns, at their being nothing of his collected artwork he claims to have, nor items from his studies; only dirt encrusted statues on the mantel and tables. Stranger is the lack of any books, when he insists that he is a devoted reader. She sighs, ‘He will want to clean it first.’
The dark girl realizes her dread might be due to her imagining comfortable chairs, well-lit areas with walls of books, scrolls, and items from foreign lands which Kolo had spoken of. Still, she has a shiver of foreboding; denying it again, blaming the cold or dark feeling of this creepy room. She thinks, ‘Kolo does not choose to make a good impression and does not really care for me, or he would wait until his home was ready, to invite me here.’
The Oracle’s suspicions of Kolo using her grows; she fingers the letter in her bag, tempted to leave it and go. Yet she prefers to face Kolo when she breaks off their friendship and agreement to marry him. As the light outside is fading, she wishes she brought the lamp with her. Hearing an interior door open and close, she turns around. Kolo has a stern stance; he is just inside the entry to the parlor. The Princess says, “Good evening.” She forgets her speech.
It is hard for her to have dark intentions, used to sharing good things, she points to the front of the cottage, “You will never guess what happened to me as I neared your fence-.” Kolo’s uncaring tone, cuts her off, “Did you find the book?” His lack of greeting, and demand, reminds her why, it is over, “It was not there.” She sees his fury; his tone disapproves of her failure, “I expected your oracle abilities were better than this.” She feels he wants his remark to hurt.
It is not the first time, as Kolo no longer speaks to her as an equal with similar interests. She uses a bored tone, “I searched all of Blackstone’s, and Wolf Mountain’s Castles.” His scoffs of disbelief, has Sidonia adding, “I doubt Father owns a Grim Book, detailing others powers and weaknesses.” Huffing, Kolo demands, “There must be a room you forgot to check, at Wolf Mountain!” Acting like her master, he interrogates her, as if she were a lazy servant.
His insult is reflected in her tone, “Yes, I am certain, as we recorded all books-.” Kolo cuts her off again, showing his disrespect for her, “When do you go to the Hallowed Castle?” Sidonia reminds herself, ‘What he thinks, no longer matters to me, as it is clear Kolo does not care, and never did.’ Coldly, the Princess states, “I have no intention of going to Skull Island. Its library is small; I would recall seeing it. Besides, if the book was of any value, my father would keep it nearer to him.” Kolo glares, “You will, go to Skull Island!”
Her tone is of disinterest, “Father is not going to leave a valuable book, in an abandoned military base.” Sternly, Kolo states, “I disagree, that is where the Demon War began, and the book is of that war!” Sidonia knows he failed to mention this and she wonders how he heard of the book; she says, “Valid point if, it is a War Journal. I am uninterested in finding father’s book. And, I dislike the idea of going to Skull Island to search the Hallowed Castle.”
Seeing Kolo fume, the Dark Princess adds, “Besides, it is not like the other times, when Father took me there. Father just flew me over the water from Witch Island, when he had a free weekend, and for my birthdays. I will not seek it any further, nor give it to you.” Knowing it was wicked to say his fears, yet she grins at Kolo’s cringe, when she said ‘water and flying’. She has no regret; Kolo has earned her anger, and he deserves to be here in this filth.
Sidonia repeats, “I am done looking for the book.” Kolo winces, as she sets his key down. The dark girl smirks, “I will not come to you. While our talks were, pleasant enough; I no longer look forward to it, largely due to your inappropriate requests. It is wrong to ask me to bring you a book that does not belong to me, see you in private, and keep me feeling obligated to marry you once I am older. I dislike you keeping this hidden.” He is stunned at her willfulness.
The Princess adds, “Even, you and your conversations have lost their charm. I doubt you care for me, as you only treat me with disrespect.” He appears stunned by her remarks, she is unconvinced as Kolo says, “Fine, do not bring it. Still, you must search Skull Mountain’s Castle, just so you can tell me if you see it.” She sighs, it is good to have it over and easier than expected. It even seems like she has said it before; she believes it is due to practicing.
Yet she lacks relief; and firmly replies, “As I said, I know all in that library; I will not go nor speak to you further on it.” She decides her point has been made. The Princess turns, leaving as she finishes, “Do not send me any further correspondence; I will rip it up, without reading it. Good evening and goodbye,” Kolo calls after her in a hurt tone, “I want you to have one last drink with me.” Shaking her head, she says over her shoulder, “No thank you.”
The dark girl adds, “Our time is over and done.” Suddenly Kolo is before her, she gasps, “You acted incapable of speed.” He glares in her eyes, “You will sit now and tell me of Wolf Mountain’s Library.” She scoffs, “Its small selection are only duplicates of some of the Blackstone Castle’s books.” She moves to go around him; Kolo grabs her arm, pulling her towards the couch. Sidonia yanks free, as he is releasing her; he tells her, “I will get us a drink.”
She replies, “No need, I am leaving.” He insists, “At least let me toast, the end of our friendship, afterward I will walk you halfway back. It nears the Dark Moon, making it dangerous on the forest road; remember, ‘Wolves in the Woods’!” Kolo grins, adding, “You want my protection.” Trembling at his reminder, Sidonia feels fear and dread, yet she says it anyway, “I prefer to go now. I can return through the village, instead of walking by the forest.”
Kolo stares in her eyes, as he gets a bit choked up, and tries again, “You really are cruel, to leave without allowing me a proper farewell! The least you can do is give me a final bit of conversation, to conclude our friendship.” Sidonia only sees that she has hurt him, he does not act angry or threatening, and has accepted it is over. Guilt comes, at feeling she was overly mean. The Princess hates to think she has hurt anyone, it has her reluctantly giving in a little.
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Sidonia sighs, “I will stay, for one toast.” Yet, she sits in the chair, instead of the sofa by him and the Dark Princess grins at denying him. Kolo sees, clenching his teeth, as he goes in the kitchen, and pours wine into two cups. The Evil One is angry, whispering, “My glamouring is not working, if I had both eyes, I bet she would do what I want! I am astounded that she is breaking the fears that I have compelled and embedded within her mind, to help me control her?” Lola nods; then she grins; as he bites his finger. The Evil One groans at the pain. Once Kolo’s blood drips, he lets it spill into Princess Sidonia’s intended cup.
~*~
Warlock Camp , After Midnight, 677, 29th, October
Prince Rorik has exited the Hag’s Dark Door, into her hut. Leaving the hut, he swallows, staring at the metal embellishments upon their clothing. Rorik gasps, “This is a Warlock Camp.” He is both excited and fearful, as he always wondered about them. Following the old Hag, he sees Jacque go to a stream, where she strips. The Prince backs up feeling hesitant of her motives, as she gets into the water; then sees the old Hag groans with pleasure.
Jacque says, “Tis a hot spring, get in.” He is glad for dusk, as he strips and sets his clothes in a pile over his boots. Walking into the stream, he then sits and Rorik groans too, feeling the heat easing his aches, from digging graves all day. Now he sighs and leans back against the rock wall, his eyes drift closed. He falls into a half sleep, no longer caring about a Dark Door, nor his Mother’s wishes.
~*~
Smirking at his pain, Lola whispers, “If you were nicer, you would not need to use Blood Magic.” Kolo mocks, “I tire of caring enough to pretend or be nice anymore. It was only fun when I was succeeding. Fighting her will, is tiresome.” He is relieved when his finger heals. Lola says, “Maybe it is just as well. With Blood Magic, you should be able to command her to do as you wish, even from a distance.” Lola smirks, “If, you can trick her into drinking it.”
The Evil One sneers, “One way or another, she is, drinking it!” Kolo returns, and gazes at Sidonia with a sad expression as he hands her the cup. Not wanting to be rude, the dark girl accepts it, yet catches his smirk, before he turns to go to the couch. She scoffs at herself, over feeling guilt for offending someone, when she was only protecting her own peace. She knows going against her desires, just to be polite, only gives her grief later. Sidonia wishes she left.
Kolo’s tone is smug, as he raises his cup, toasting her, “To your efforts of finding Anthony’s Journal, even though you failed, and our many talks of the books we have yet to read.” He drinks; she angrily pretends to, and it annoys her that Kolo acts like he has won. She almost groans as he did just get his way, again. She wants to put the cup down and leave, so it is finally over. Sidonia decides when his cup is empty, she will go, yet it is all she can do to stay seated. He resents her silence, angry posture, and refusal to look at him. Bitterly, Kolo questions, “So, you believe that you no longer need me to be there with you, when you turn?” The Dark Princess nods her head. The Evil One fears, “Is it due to you telling Anthony, that you are afraid of dying?” She states, “No.” He relaxes a bit, asking, “Then what is it exactly?” She frowns, “I am not sure-,” Kolo leans in, until she finishes, “-why, I ever feared it.”
His jaw clenches, at her breaking another terror that he had carefully rooted into her mind, to help keep his control over her. Shaking with fury, the Evil One toasts, “To our love of books.” Still not looking at him, Sidonia fakes sipping; she prefers to have a clear head, and avoid staying. Kolo sees her lips are not damp, and starts to suspect why. Suddenly he is by her, gazing into her cup, seeing the drink is still full. She gasps, horrified at not even seeing a blur.
~*~
Seaport, Bloody Tempest, After Midnight, 677, 29th, October
Bloodson waits on the Bloody Tempest with the best four, of his father’s crew. They pull the rowboat back on a rope, as it nears the ship, Hammer asks him, “Are you coming with?” Bloodson looks to his father, who says, “Go. It will be worse if you stay. It will look like you are hiding from them. It will cause dread, the longer you put it off. Just watch your back.” Bony says, “That is what us men are for.” Captain Dark nods, “Yes, and I trust you, with him.”
Dark adds, “Yet you cannot always be there at his back.” Hairy scoffs, “So what, that Bloodson chose to knock them out instead of killing them, they were not our foes; do you really think that our clansmen will care?” Knowingly, Dark replies, “Some will. I fear if I go, it will look like I do not trust him to fight for himself, and I am unsure I will hold back my anger…it will only make this matter worse.” Bloodson is stunned by his father’s admission.
He feels his father is always in control and is also surprised to hear him admit this out loud; it shows how much he trusts his crew. Dark groans, “I also do not want them believing I think it was wrong, that he held back.” Hammer nods, “Yes sir, we will stay out of it, unless it needs to be done. We will see to it they do not come at his back, or with more than the wee boy can handle, on his own.” Eighteen-year-old Bloodson laughs, as he is bigger than Hammer.
Still, the Captain’s son, nods knowing he has less experience than his father and their crew. As they row to the pier, Bloodson asks Shark, “Was it wrong to knock them out, rather than kill them?” Shark shrugs, uncomfortable giving his opinion; seeing Bony speaks up, “Not this time. It is only a few idiots who will question you. Trust me, they were looking for a reason before, this just gave it to them. My concern is, they might succeed in stirring it up in others.”
Hammer tells him, “A few said, you cannot be depended on; holding back can cost them their lives. I trust you will not question it, when it is, needed.” Tying up to the pier; Hairy climbs the ladder first, Bloodson next and Shark after. Hammer huffs at Bony, “Are you climbing or waiting for sunrise?” Bony waves at the ladder; as Hammer starts up, Bony replies, “Do you like smelling Hairy’s butt?” Their banter, brings Bloodson’s grin, lessening his worries.
Bony finishes, “I do not want to smell what Shark was eating, either.” Bloodson laughs. Hairy reaches the top and yells down at Bony, “We all ate the same as you.” Bony huffs up, “Then why does it smell worse than mine?” Bloodson gets on the wharf, losing his grin as he sees a few men in the shadows, of the Whale’s Head Inn. He guesses, ‘It is Prince Peterk, Stinky, and Tigr; they always have something to say; and are waiting to see if I will come.’
Bloodson glances back at the Bloody Tempest, which is anchored in Seaport’s Bay; now serious he walks with the crew down the pier. Hairy chuckles, “I will be sure to share my next one with you.” Seeing Bloodson nears, Tigr sneers at him, “Why did ya bother bringing your sword? Coward!” This stops the crews’ banter. Stinky mocks, “He thinks he can lay them out for longer than a fight takes.” Tigr says, “He is a liar, and just lucky they were weak.”
Stinky agrees, “You are lucky they were not a Northmen clan.” Giggling, Peterk slurs, “Y-you s-should not have b-bothered coming on our Viking trip, if you are not willing to k-k-kill them.” The crew grumbles, Stinky mocks, “I bet he wants us to believe he talks to Odin too, just like his dead brother and uncle claimed; just lies, and it did not save them either.” Hammer reminds Bloodson, “They died with honor and glory. Odin called them to Valhalla!”
Peterk slurs, “Hide behind ‘your Odin’, since y-you are a-afraid.” It even has Shark huffing, “Radbrekke, ergi nonbelievers.” Stinky replies, “The King needs to rename Bloodson; calling him ‘Coward’ or ‘Frightened Boy,’ and take his sword.” Prince Peterk giggles, “Yes, my father should name him, ‘Small Boy’ that would be best.” Tigr gets a mocking big grin, “He does not know how or when to use his sword. His pa forgot to teach him how to kill.”
Stinky mocks, “Or he is just a scared little baby.” Shark seethes, “Nioingr!” Tigr comes away from the wall blocking their path, he says, “He hides behind his pa’s men.” Hammer mutters, “Get ready for him.” Bloodson moves Shark aside, as he steps up bringing his fist with, straight into Tigr’s chin. He knocks him out, with one good punch. Tigr falls before he can swing at Bloodson, Stinky yells, “That is not fair; my brother did not have a chance.”
Shark laughs, as Bloodson steps over to Peterk and Stinky. Stinky backs up, and Prince Peterk starts shaking. Bloodson uses a light tone, “I always thought your parents should have named you, “Tigr and Lion.” Stinky brightens, smiling at this unexpected compliment, as he agrees, “I do roar like a lion.” With a wicked grin, and an angry red glint to his eyes, Bloodson successfully sets him up, “No, that is not why. It suits you, because you are always lyin’!” Peterk snickers, humiliating Stinky further, he turns punching the Prince’s arm. Prince Peterk whimpers and rubs his arm, sniffling. Pointing at Tigr, Bloodson taunts, “When mocking boy wakes, tell him how long he was out. Remind him to be grateful that I did not consider him worthy of my sword, either. Well, not just yet.” Bloodson and the crew go inside the tavern; picking a table against the wall. Bloodson chooses a seat that allows him to face the room.
When their mugs of ale come; Hammer raises his, saying, “Well done.” Bloodson smiles, drinking his down; it causes Hammer to get a nervous look, and the others to nod, deciding to drink theirs slowly and watch that Bloodson does not drink too much. Chuckling, Bloodson sees, he jokes, “Do not worry, I will not drink yours too.” Then serious he says, “I will only have one each day until home.”
~*~
Kolo’s speed moved his hair, she sees his power bars, “You lied; you have powers!” He grabs her cup with his left, as his right hand clasps her by her throat, so fast she does not see it coming; the Evil One brings her to her feet, by her neck. Sidonia fights, and sees Kolo’s mist is a dark blue, proving he is vile. It covers his brown eyes; The fiend puts the cup to her lips, forcing her to drink. As she attempts to knock the cup from his hand, she sees his veins bulge.
The Princess fails to remove the cup from his hand, the Evil One’s veins darken below his eyes and on his neck. The dark girl hits him in desperation to get free, it also fails to do anything. Kolo laughs, proving it has no effect on him. Sidonia sees she has not even managed to spill one drop of her drink. The Dark Princess struggles attempting to turn away or even duck, she cannot move. She is startled, at how easily he still holds her in place.
Knowing she was a fool, for not trusting her own instincts, as she cannot get out of his grip. Sidonia tries to scratch his face and eyes, but Kolo is taller, with longer arms. The Evil One easily avoids her efforts to harm him, with amusement. Her eyes are wide with horror, as she fights to keep her lips shut. Sidonia senses even one swallow will end her freedom. He forces the cup between her lips. She claws a rune mark into her left arm with her finger.
Sidonia thinks her spell, ‘Remember this!’ The dark girl then claws at his hands bringing his blood, he laughs mockingly and refuses to release her. Princess Sidonia Vlasac starts to taste his ‘Evil Blood’ in her mouth, it heals the scratch on her arm. Kolo orders, “Drink it all, now!” Sidonia pretends to obey, he relaxes, she knocks the cup from his hand spilling it across the floor. Yet, it is too late, she feels its influence, coming on like a drug.
Kolo’s ‘Evil Blood’ burns into her mind, causing her to lose her own intentions to get away from him. Her struggles slow, as her body betrays her. Realizing it is affecting her, a tear escapes; Sidonia fears being unaware that Kolo controls her. The Evil One glares into her left eye; she closes her eyes tightly. Laughing, the fiend is annoyed that she is able to resist, and commands her, “Open your eyes!” He smirks as she obeys, then Kolo demands, “Tell me.”
He grins, “Did you even try to find your father’s book?” It is futile to resist, as Sidonia’s response forces its way through her clenched teeth, “I looked, still I did not find what you described.” She sees Kolo’s dark blue mist and runes swirl about them, as he swears at her, “I compelled you to know the Grim Book’s title; Sanguis Bellator is on the cover. It is Greek for Blood Warrior. But I do not want you telling this title to anyone, nor that you seek it.”
Sidonia realizes, ‘This means he has successfully compelled me before!’ He demands, “Did you see it?” Another tear escapes, as the Dark Princes tries to withhold answering him any further, yet replies, “I looked at every book in both castles, and I know all books in the third library. I have never seen it.” Struggling, she spits out, “Father no longer has it or never did!” Kolo glares in disbelief, then seethes, “I know he has it, I saw it!” Sidonia frowns at this.
The Princess is certain he had not revealed that prior; he commands, “You will go to Skull Island, and search for that book as if your precious life depends on me and the book! Forget you broke up with me; and never do it again. And forget that I forced you to drink, or showed you, my powers. Remember, you fear that you will die young, never truly living, or accomplishing all you intended to do. Your only hope, is to keep me with you, so that I can save you.”
The Evil One brings his blue flame to his left hand, Sidonia gasps in terror as it nears her face. Kolo asks, “Do you want to die a burning death?” She feels the heat, and terror at his threat. Unable to keep from replying, as she pleads, “No, please, no!” He sneers, “This will be your punishment if you fail me. You do not recall my gift of fire, yet fear and feel it, whenever you even think of disobeying me!”
Kolo further compels the dark girl, “Remember, Once you return to Blackstone Castle; you will arrange your trip to Skull Island, so you can organize the library. Once at the Hallowed Castle, you will not leave until you have searched all of it, for the book. Forget that I demanded your answers. Just recall that we had a very nice chat. And that you are very happy with me. You are haunted by the desire to find Anthony’s journal.”
The Evil One commands, “You will see me as often as you can.” Grabbing her hand, Kolo sinks his fangs in; she cries out in pain and tries to fight, but he easily holds her in place. Drinking with pleasure, he sees she was truthful about her search for the book; until it also reveals her thoughts on his betrayal. His guilt causes the Evil One to abruptly stop. He bites his finger healing her wound. Kolo brings flames to his right hand, tossing it at the logs in the fireplace.
~*~
Bony replies, “Tis wise to drink less, until this blows over.” Shark whispers, “No one is glaring at you. They would if angry. They are smirking; all have been the subject of Tigr’s mocking lies and loud mouth a few times.” Hammer agrees, “Sip on your next ale, or it will look like you are itching for a fight.” Bloodson nods with relief. Bony warns him, “We do not want it appearing that you are expecting to fight, it is not a good thing, you might look arrogant.”
Shark scowl shows his filed pointy sharp teeth, “I want a fight.” Bloodson smiles, “I rather not be the reason you get one.” Untalkative, Shark shrugs; Hammer agrees, “His pa will be mad at us, fight only if needed.” Shark huffs, “Why? Bloodson proved he is capable enough, not needing me.” Bony states, “Tis orders.” Shark groans, “Fine, I will make sure the wee boy does not stub a toe either.” Bloodson laughs; Bony mocks, “Captain Dark ordered it.”
Hammer nods, “He does not want Bloodson to fight.” Shark gives in, “Tis smart. It can get out of hand quick when in a crowd.” A few men carry Tigr in. Hammer says, “It was sage to leave Prince Peterk alone.” Bony agrees, “King Segg would be angry, even if he deserves it.” He replies, “I left Stinky too, so it is less obvious, that I was avoiding the King’s anger.” Shark says, “Smart.” Bloodson knows it will not be this easy, next time they wait for him.
~WBM~