WBM
Chapter Fifteen
Darklights
~SV~
Half Moon Bay, After 3 AM, 677, 29th, October
As Sidonia sleeps in the Ferry, her dream-vision shows her the event that happened three and a half hours earlier, 12:10 am on the 29th.
Nicolas seethes, “Did you even bother to hunt him? Or were you planning to just leave him behind, for me to deal with?” Xiko replies, “As soon as we learned he killed Grigori, we hunted him most of yesterday, until dark. His tracks remain a wolf’s. His anger and reasons for killing, caused Kristopher to be a Warg. Warg is our version of your Rogue.” The Vampire wants to blame them for Leticia leaving him, but knows it is his own fault.
Xiko tells Nicolas, “While hunting him, Krist leapt on Trek, our oldest clansman and bit him. Trek turned rabid, becoming more monster than man, I had to shoot an arrow into Trek. We planned to hunt Krist again at first light; until you ordered us to go. So, we have obeyed you.” Nicolas taunts in disbelief, “You killed Trek and are not a wolf. What does cause it!” Xiko calmly brings his yellow mist to his eyes, replying, “Yes I am, he is not my first kill.”
Nicolas asks, “Why did you not hunt him as a wolf?” No longer wanting to serve him, yet he still cannot risk the clan by angering him; Xiko replies, “The clan wished to be with me as we sought Grigori’s justice. Still, I did intend to be the one who killed him.” Nicolas asks, “What caused the Rambler’s Blood Curse and why was I not told of this?” Xiko says, “Leticia knew. I was not sure if our leaders disclosed the curse to you.” Nicolas shakes his head.
~*~
Witch-Shade Fights, Slaughter vs Malevolent
Fury urges the crowd, “Call Slaughter, to come fight.” The Warlock’s Shade, no longer wishes to be controlled by Fury, yet has come out of the bottle to stand behind him. Standing ringside, Rorik sees that Fury has forgotten to mark his bottle with his blood runes, again. It is why he cannot command him. The entity flows into Fury, by seeping in through his wounds from the last bout. Suddenly feeling his presence, Fury, whips around seeing the empty jar.
The Warlock notices there are no rune marks on the jar. Fury fights Slaughter for control, yet the angry Shade who possesses him, is more powerful. Slaughter proves it, lifting Fury, so his feet do not touch the ground and jerks his host like a puppet. Rorik groans at purposely taking a Shade inside. The Ringmaster sees, Slaughter forces Fury to move unnaturally. He blows his whistle, quieting the crowd, he states, “Fury are you in control and ready to fight?”
The Warlock finds he cannot answer, as he is focused on fighting for control. The Shade Slaughter, continues to yank him around, forcing him to dance as the crowd laughs loudly at Fury. The Fightmaster groans, “Fury, I will only ask thrice. If you cannot respond, you forfeit the fight!” The crowd boos. The Ringmaster shouts, “And, Crimson shall be the winner. Fury, we need you to confirm that you are in control, and ready to fight.”
Instead, Slaughter yells, “I am in control, let us fight!” The crowd laughs and cheers. The Fightmaster asks the Goth, “Are you ready to fight.” Crimson says, “Yes, Malevolent and I are ready.” His Shade Malevolent raises his own mist arms up showing he agrees, then Malevolent shouts, “I want to fight.” The Ringmaster says, “One last time, Fury are you ready to fight?” Slaughter continues doing a dance that pulls Fury along, like his pet on a leash.
The Ringmaster asks, “Crimson, it is up to you. Either you win by default, or you fight the Shade?” Crimson smirks, “I choose to fight.” Reluctantly the Fightmaster cautions, “I must warn you that the host is not in control. Do you understand that Slaughter is the master of Fury? It is your choice, to fight or not.” The Goth looks up at Malevolent, who grins wickedly and nods. Crimson says, “Malevolent and I do not care who is master, we will fight!”
~*~
Andre recalls Skull Island
After a half hour they exit the Harrowed City. Grekan gasps, “What is that glow to the trees? Oh, it is not just the trees, the plants and ground cover, are glowing too.” Sidonia says with awe, “It is Darklights. Father said the Dark Realm’s dirt, plants, animals, and even the Demons, all glow with these Darklights. When the Demons entered here, they accidently brought it with, causing it to glow at night. These brilliant shades of glowing light now grow here.”
She smiles, “While it has not caused us to glow, the foliage does. Father is certain that it is how the Demons see in the Dark Realm, without a sun. He believes it is on all living things there, to light their dark world. The Darklights have spread over most of the north and west part of this island also in a few other locations. Father thinks the birds and wind are causing it to spread. Even the nearest side of Witch Island has some of it.” Andre gasps, “Amazing.”
Sidonia adds, “Father told me that some of the Banned Continent has it also and he believes that eventually all of the Mystical Realm will have a colorful glow. He says it also happened in the Shade Realm, due to the war.” Shuddering, Grekan says, “It is creepy.” Andre says, “It is as incredible as the heavens.” Sidonia sighs, “I find it inspiring and think it is beautiful too. I wish the Human Realm had it.” A heavy fog creeps toward them.
It is making the area seem eerie, Grekan points, “Tell me that is finally the Castle.” Sidonia smirks, “It is Dark Rainbow, the Druid Temple, I told you about on our crossing. The structure we saw from the rowboat. It is all that is left of the Dark Druids who once lived here.” Grekan groans in dismay, it did not seem as ominous from a distance.” Andre agrees, “I did imagine that it was a lot smaller.” She adds, “It is stunning; I loved finding the rune markings-.”
Grekan gasps, “You foolishly went inside?” The dark girl lightly laughs, “That is the only place to see them, they are inside of it on the beams and archways.” Grekan says, “The silhouette against this fog and sky is darkly disturbing. Andre is right, it is bigger than I expected.” He cannot help but cringe at what she finds attractive. This island is all too haunted, and frightening for Grekan to see any beauty. His mind is visualizing the horrid things that took place here.
~*~
Relieved, the Fightmaster says, “The Goth team, Crimson and Malevolent have chosen to fight, over taking a win by default!” Fury chokes out, “I am ready.” Knowing Fury is not in control, the Ringmaster dislikes it, yet states the rules, “This is a no weapon fight. Shades and Magic are allowed; as long as the fighter does not use a kill spell on their opponent. No outside help is allowed. If it happens, and a spectator, the fighter, or team are found guilty-.”
He glares at the teams and crowd, finishing, “We will put them to death, here! Understood?” All four heads plus the crowd nod. The Ringmaster says, “A team wins by a take down, short of death. May the best team win; let the fight begin!” The Goth team brings the first blow against the Warlocks, unexpectedly doing a jumping flip. Malevolent’s feet come away from Crimson’s to push from the ground, their heads still joined and his hands supports Crimson’s body helping his feet catch the Warlock team’s faces.
The Warlock team stumbles backwards hitting the barrier, it stings and tosses them forward. The Goths do another jumping flip. The Warlock team ducks, it allows the Goth team to land behind them. Slaughter pulls forward of his host Fury, to wave to the crowd, it leaves Fury’s back exposed; as the Goth team claw Fury’s back making him bleed. Hearing Fury’s scream of pain, Slaughter twists behind Fury planning to kick the Goth team. Malevolent is watching and waiting for Slaughter, slashing the Shade Slaughter deeply.
Slaughter stumbles back as his teammate Fury has turned to bring his fist in a punishing punch towards the Goth Team. The Shade, Malevolent catches Fury’s fist, slowing it down so it gives his teammate Crimson time to duck. Then Malevolent quickly releases him, their own momentum causes the Warlock team to stumble forward. The Goths move away but dip their fingers into Fury’s and Slaughter’s open wounds, as the Warlocks manage to keep from falling. Crimson and Malevolent start their dark plan.
The Goth Team whisper, the chant together, doing their Blood Magic Spell. The Warlock team do not notice, as Slaughter and Fury wave to show their fans they are alright, until Fury stumbles feeling a sudden weakness. The Goths Spell pulls out Slaughter from Fury, the Warlock’s teammate comes free of Fury.
Feeling the loss, Fury whips around, and sees Slaughter is being yanked backwards toward Crimson’s bag, into the Goth’s second waiting Spirit Jar, which he got from the Spirit Bottle Dame. Crimson had spelled the jar beforehand, for this purpose. Slaughter yells, “Nooo-!” He is silenced, as he goes down into Crimson’s second Spirit Jar and Crimson’s mist puts the lid on.
~*~
As they walk, Grekan says, “Skull Island makes me shiver, and wish I were home.” Andre says, “You are shivering due to being soaked with rain, more than because of the horrors of this place.” Sidonia nods, “Below is the hot springs.” Andre chuckles, “Oh of course, it is causing some of this fog.” She points northwest, “That is the Death Arena. To the northeast is Sacred Lake, you can see it now, behind the city.” Grekan says, “It is just creepy silent.”
Patch points, “I see people there.” Sidonia tells him, “Those are statues.” Patch counters, “They moved.” Sidonia replies, “They are life sized replicas that move occasionally. They are of the men who fought and even died here, they circle the entire arena. Father and the Trulov brothers have statues there, and they are an amazing likeness to them.” Andre gasps, “Really, I did not hear about those.” She adds, “It was the first time I saw the Light Elf’s moving statues.
Sidonia is no longer whispering, giving Grekan and the others some relief. She points, “See that mound, at the west end of the Death Arena? That is the Dark Realm’s Gateway. When Lilith rides through it, the air suddenly gets cold. Grandess Lilith is only allowed in, when Destiny is hosting, ‘the Grandesses of the Nine Realms Meetings.” Patch asks, “Are those meetings here?” She answers, “The meetings are held at the palace on Destiny’s island.”
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She says, “If you see figures over there, it is Father’s men; guarding the Dark Realm’s Gateway. They might see us, and it is likely they will fly over to learn who we are. Father may have notified them. Or they could be sheltering from the storm and not see us. I am only warning you so you will not be startled.” Andre says, “I might have attack them, if they had approached us.” Grekan is too mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted, to be interested.
The Clerk groans, “Where is the castle?” She points at the large domed mountain before them to the southwest, saying, “We will have to climb to the entrance.” Grekan states, “Is it on the other side, I do not even see it?” Sidonia lightly laughs, “It is not that sort of castle. The exterior is just what you see, a mount.” The scribe moans with disappointment. Grekan questions with discomfort, “It is just a stone mountain?” She says, “It is intended to remain hidden.”
~*~
Xiko tells Nicolas, “However, to my knowledge, you have not been here since the curse was cast.” Embarrassed, again, the Vampire states, “Correct. And, I was not aware of when it happened. Tell me now.” Xiko says, “It is a ‘Sevenfold Blood Curse’ placed by a Goth Witch. It affects this clan, as well as Romina’s clan and a couple of others.” Nicolas’s lip curls up with dislike, “The Grand Rambqueen?” Xiko nods. The Vampire asks, “What is ‘sevenfold’?”
He answers, “Most witches own one power item, to create a spell or curse. To increase the curse, one uses two or three power items. That is what dictates the twofold, or threefold. It is dangerous to use your own strength, I have seen it remove power bars and even kill witches who try. Most cannot afford to drain their power item on one spell. It is rare to own more than one at a time, or have enough coin, to purchase a few to use up with a single curse.”
The Rambler adds, “Few are powerful enough to create them. The Witch likely used willing family and clan members’ power items, to increase her spell’s strength to seven times the power. Thus, making it into a Sevenfold Blood Curse.” Nicolas nods, “I recall hearing of a threefold and I wondered what it meant, then was curious what it requires. Exactly what does it mean in your Blood Curse?” Xiko answers, “In this case it will affect seven generations.”
He tells the Vampire, “Of those clans who were cursed with it.” Nicolas asks, “How many generations have suffered with it so far?” Reluctantly, Xiko tells him, “Two maybe Three. So it shall be five more generations, for those in the two clans, however, not for the bloodlines… their curse is much longer.” Nicolas sneers, “What happens to those of that bloodline? And why are you all deserving of such a vicious curse?” The clan grumbles, disliking their secrets told.
Especially to this Vampire, who has betrayed them. Xiko answers, “The version I was told, is that it started when the four parents of a couple, cursed a male Goth Witch to be a wolf. The couples were the parents of the woman he attacked and the parents of her husband, who the attacker killed, for trying to stop him. In anger, the parents did not think of the consequences. He returned that night as the wolf, and killed the four who had cursed him.” The Vampire snorts, “The fools.”
~*~
The dark girl adds, “The Castle is not visible from the outside. The girls from school did not believe there was a castle here either. Father saved a Light Elf King’s life; in return, he sent them supplies. When they arrived and entered the caves that housed our fighters, they were appalled, by their poor living conditions. They saw all were sleeping on the ground in the dirt. To honor Father, the Elves pooled their skills and magic, creating elegantly carve spaces.”
The Princess says, “It is all hidden within the mountain and very helpful to have rooms that function. It also kept others from walking through areas where some were trying to sleep, or heal from their wounds.” Andre says, “I did not know the Light Elves made it.” Sidonia replies, “The interior looks like a grand palace.” Grekan says, “Since the Elves did it for Anthony, is that why it is his fortress?” She nods, “They even put in doors for privacy.”
Sidonia smiles, “And brought furniture. Later they improved their original lower caves to the northwest, so they could use it to shelter the Healers in a medical area. Now it houses the realm gate guards.” Patch comments, “It is smart to have it near the arena.” She agrees, “It also protected the women who worked here.” Patch asks, “Doing what?” She laughs, “Cleaning, cooking, and healing the fighters. Father said it helped to improve their morale.”
The Princess adds, “Before it felt to the fighters, like they were homeless.” Grekan moans, “I wish I were already there inside.” She replies, “We can relax a little, as we have left the horrors. The reputation of the island and the realm gate are why no one is allowed to live here, and they never will again.” She adds, “Father said from time to time they find someone has tried and have to move them on.” As they near the base of the mountain, Patch and Andre worry.
~*~
Xiko tells Nicolas, “After the death of the parents, Elders of the four clans drew the Wolf to them. They boosted his hex to be a Sevenfold Curse, using up seven power crystals. They cursed him to never be able to harm one of their bloodlines again. Forcing him to live for seven hundred years, unless one of their blood forgives him. The one willing to forgive, needs to be capable of removing his curse. As long as we suffer it, I doubt any will release his curse.”
He adds, “I heard other versions of the tale. The girl he attacked died while giving birth to her daughter. The timing of the birth, nine months after the attack, caused it to be of questionable origins.” Nicolas’ eyes glow blue, “They feared she was the Wolf’s child?” Xiko nods, Nicolas smirks, “Sounds like he deserves to be cursed. What are the other tales?” Xiko replies, “He lives as a wolf until he changes his ways. Also, a claim that one of our bloodline-.”
Xiko hesitates before finishing, “-needs to love him, not just forgive him. It is hard to trust what was said, so few are living, who witnessed it. We learned of it, in our realm, after experiencing the consequences. Then we sought the answers, and learned of the curse. Even then the details, remain very unclear. They had assumed it could only affect Ramblers in the Mystical Realm.” Nicolas chuckles, “No surprise it is confusing. Is there more to this curse?”
He answers, “Stories mostly.” The Vampire insists, “Tell me.” The Rambler says, “One tale I heard, is that the Wolf tried to kill himself and found he could not. The curse causes him to keep coming back to life. Another tale I was told, is that his mother did not believe he forced himself on our female. Believing it is unjust is why she sought such vengeance against us.”
~*~
As they get to Skull Mountain, Andre and Patch are nervous at the idea of scaling any path that steep, in the dark; Sidonia senses it. As they walk around a larger stone, she says, “Be certain you follow me.” She starts up the side pointing, as she says, “The steps are fairly easy, just not easily seen.” Grekan groans, “Nothing on this island is easy.” She chuckles, “I will go at a slow pace. Call out if you need to rest, otherwise I might be unaware you stopped.”
She sighs, “It is common to become lost on this mount, so try to stay with me.” They hesitate following not seeing a path. They cannot see stairs either; slowly they see that she is finding the steps easily. Often the men pause as the steps ends and they look to her to find where the next set of steps are, as the way is hidden from their view. After a half hour, their tension relaxes a bit, realizing it is not as threatening nor perilous as it looks, and she knows the way.
Grekan is going slower and slower. Finally, the weary clerk says, “I need to rest for a bit.” Taking his hand, Sidonia says, “Come, this way.” She leads them behind a boulder. He hopes she knows a safe place away from the edge where he can sit. Grekan is shocked, when they go around another boulder and find they are at a door. Princess Sidonia knocks; two guards open it. They were standing inside, ready to allow them in the double doors.
Captain Astute, a Vampire, instantly appears, and all three bow their heads to her. Grinning, Astute says, “Greetings, Princess Sidonia, and welcome back! We were expecting you earlier.” She replies, “Yes, I planned to arrive before sunset, as well.” As they enter and the doors close behind them, he asks, “How was the crossing and hike?” With a dark tone, she replies, “Regrettably, Night Captain Tik, chose to delay us.” She looks at her group. The Dark Princess whispers to the Captain, Andre wonders what she is telling him. He sees Grekan is near collapsing.
~*~
Nicolas asks, “Did he force her, and was it his child?” Xiko states, “The woman and her husband died. Their parents too, the child might live, but she would not know. I doubt I ever met her; I have no idea of her name, nor the name of the man who attacked her and was cursed to be the Wolf. It happened in the Mystical Realm.” Nicolas hisses, “You are renowned for your Oracles, you can learn her origin and his guilt.” Xiko says, “I do not have the gift.”
Shaking his head, Xiko adds, “If I did, I would need to be in that realm to see it. Also, I was warned not to ask any for it, they claim his mum put a hex on the incident, it blinds anyone who tries to learn of it. His mum feared us reversing or changing her curse. I was also told she made it, so the four bloodlines’ males suffer the curse as long as her son does. I think even his mum was unsure of his guilt. I have assumed it is why we are only cursed, if we kill.”
He adds, “Perhaps she felt that way it is more just.” Nicolas asks, “If three women were involved in placing the hex, why curse only the men?” Xiko says, “I was told she was proving that our men are quick to blame others, acting with anger, and violence. Another rumor is the women involved, were opposed to cursing him.” The Vampire smirks, “Yet they did it anyway.” Xiko explains, “They stayed against it until pushed into doing the curse, by the men.”
Xiko adds, “As they implied, if they did not help it was because the wife brought it upon herself, implying she was willing. It effectively shamed the three female Witches into complying. Others say it is males because it is her boy. I wish only the five were cursed. I would even accept it if it were caused by murdering unjustly.” Nicolas muses, “I doubt your men tried to find Kristopher, fearing they will be cursed. Am I right?” The clansmen grumble.
Annoyed, Xiko states, “Only the one who kills him is cursed, unless he already is, which is why I plan to be the one.” The Vampire taunts, “Has it caused any to think first before they murder?” Xiko sighs, “I cannot speak for others, if I could go back; I would do it again, some killings are justified. I have heard some say if not for the curse they would, so yes it stopped them. One of those, wanted to kill Krist years ago, and would have prevented all of this.”
Nicolas nods, “Thank you for being truthful. I will remember and have respect for you because of it. However, I insist that your Lake Bled Clan be renamed, and your people’s presence be far from my land.” Coldly, Xiko states, “We are, ‘the Devil’s Woods Clan’. And, unless I am mistaken Nicolas, we are no longer on your land.” Glaring, as the Vampire noticed Xiko’s lack of using his title; Nicolas says, “Yet, you stopped at my boarder.”
The Vampire sneers, “Do you intend to live here on the edge?” Xiko states, “We were preparing to open a Dark Door, which you insisted we make off your land. Then you came delaying us. I regret Krist caused your displeasure, I ask that you do not blame us further, for his actions. We intend to be far from your land before dawn. You realize it will leave your flocks, and herds unprotected?” The Vampire scoffs, “Of course. I will get new shepherds.”
Xiko adds, “Since Kristopher is a Warg, he is likely to slaughter many of them and humans; not for food, for vengeance.” Nicolas replies, “I assume his anger is with all of you, not me. You should watch your own backs; I can protect my own. You can hunt him once he follows you.” Xiko asks, “And if he remains on your land?” Coldly, the Vampire laughs, it sends chills through the clan, causing them to back away from their former lord.
Nicolas mocks, “If he is foolish enough to stay, I shall kill him myself.” Xiko warns, “As he is a Warg, be certain that you make it final.” Nicolas scoffs, “I am aware of what is required to kill! Or is it different for a cursed one?” Xiko gives a slight nod, “Yes. He can rise from the dirt to be one of, you.” Nicolas’s mouth falls open. Xiko finishes, “A Mullo, only a Rogue. His head and heart must be removed to prevent it. We use the heart in a ritual.”
~*~
Lola and Kolo slowly lower the lever together and laugh as the Egyptian’s screams increase. Lola asks, “What is happening?” Kolo stops the lever midway, and goes to the window, “See.” Lola grins, “There are little spikes! The lever brought them out of those small holes!” Kolo giggles, “Yes, and if we leave it at this point, I assume that her pain will be rather endless.” Lola asks, “And what if we push the lever further?” Kolo replies, “It will poke deeper.”
He grins, “Going into her, puncturing her organs, causing her death far more quickly, than this slow bleeding.” Nepathi knows this too and hisses, “You would have killed me again, anyway.” It is painful to speak or breathe, yet she seeks to anger them. Nepathi manages a laugh, “At least, I am satisfied that I unwittingly caused both of you far greater amounts of horror, than the simple death I intended Kolo. Best of all it will not be easily forgotten.”
~WBM~