WBM
Chapter Nineteen
Dark Truth of Betrayal
~SV~
Half Moon Bay, Nearing 5 am, 677, 29th, October
Sidonia appears to be in a deep restful sleep on the Ferry. Instead, the Princess is having a dream-vision of her kin’s past and knows it is of Kolo and the necklace that had taken her mother’s powers. In the morning, a young boy in the Rambler Camp sees the mark on Darciana’s pa. The clan whispers about his black spot and they decide to shun him. The clan’s leader goes to her father, asking, “What did you do to get marked with a Black Spot?”
Her pa scoffs, “Tis of no import to any of you. Just a bit of coin I am getting tonight, which I will share with the clan.” The leader says, “Either you tell me or you are banished.” When her pa refuses, the leader tells her father, “Do not follow us; you are no longer welcome in our clan.” The clan breaks camp and leaves, wanting nothing to do with his transaction nor fate. Darciana makes sure to stay in the grove of trees that evening.
She becomes aware of his presence and peaks out, to watch as a stranger approaches her father. Kolo is a medium-brown short haired man with an ordinary appearance. He looks around, seeing only their wagon and the empty camp, Kolo questions, “The others left you?” Her father smiles, “A disagreement is all. Did he send you?” Kolo brings out the coin bag holding it out to him. Her father grabs it. He lifts the necklace from his pocket.
But Darciana’s father lets it drop back in. Her pa says to the brown-haired man, “I need you to tell him, I must have more coin.” It causes Darciana fear. Kolo tilts his head, enjoying how often others debate the fee when he sends a different man for it. Her pa says, “We took quite a risk doing this curse.” Darciana worries, ‘Oh no, do not anger him.’ Kolo sneers, “He was honest in telling you what he needed and how much he was willing to pay you.”
The light-brown-haired man says, “Now you are being less than honest with us.” Her pa informs Kolo, “Turns out your intended victim, is kin to us. We took a Blood Oath, ‘never harm our own’; it got us marked.” Her pa holds out his hand. In a dark tone, her father adds, “It is not easy to hide, our cauldron and clan saw it; they shunned us. We were not aware when we agreed; it was only when my daughter picked up the hair. He did not tell us who she was-.”
He sneers, “- beforehand, so that is on him for concealing it.” Kolo just giggles, “Imagine that, prissy Queen Samala Vlasac… is actually a Rambler. I would have never guessed, she had a past she was hiding.” Darciana nearly gasps at this news. Even her father’s face went pale as he groans, “She is royalty! Oh, I do need more coin to flee from an army before the castle learns of it. Our life will be hard without the safety of any Rambler Camp. We need more coin.”
Darciana holds her breath. Her pa insists, “For doing his dark deeds. You see we kept faith and did the curse; we just need more coin for the consequences.” Nodding, Kolo asks, “May I apologize to Darciana?” Her pa smiles, “I had to send her on ahead, it is important to keep my daughter safe.” Staring at each other, the tension grows. Darciana senses the brown-haired man’s anger, and quietly crouches down. Kolo leaps at her father’s throat.
She puts a hand over her mouth to silence her gasp as Kolo rips his neck open. Her father’s eyes go wide in disbelief, as he shoves his dagger into the fiend. Kolo only flinches a little as he greedily drinks him dry, then drops the dead man in the dirt. Kolo brings out a kerchief, wiping his mouth. He grins, gazing at the crumpled male Rambler at his feet. Kolo pulls the Rambler’s knife from his gut, with a slight groan. He whistles Lola’s dark tune.
Kolo leans over, taking the necklace from the Rambler’s pocket and pries the coin bag from his dead hand, enjoying that he gets it for free. He goes into the caravan. Not seeing Darciana, Kolo comes back out disappointed. He sets her father on fire with flames from his hands. With a sinister chuckle, he leaves still whistling the same tune the previous vampire had. Darciana hooks up her wagon to the horses and makes her way towards Blackstone Castle.
After a few days of travel, the Rambler arrives at the castle’s front gate, at sunset. Darciana stares up in awe and amazement at the five-story stone structure, walled in with large gargoyles on top, medium ones around its sides, and smaller ones above its windows as well as over the entries.
~*~
Warlock Camp, Jacque vs Rorik, 677, 29th, October
Satisfied with her energy boost, Jacque is concerned with how Rorik will react, if he notices his coin bag is gone. She heard about him phasing into a wolf during his fight at the Warlock Camp. While it brought a bit of excitement, to have him in her bed, she was disappointed as he was still the dull boy. She had drifted off to sleep, yet woke and felt fear at the Prince becoming violent. Unsure her Hex can prevent his Wolf from harming her as he is a shapeshifter.
She is now wide awake, staring at the ceiling. As far as Jacque knows, she has never done a hex on a Shapeshifter, nor knows of meeting one before. The Hexing Hag gets up; she downs a bottle of wine in one swig, belching, it wakes the Prince. She places her crystal on the wall, opening her Dark Door, it shows the interior of her Pitsville shack. Rorik is hung over, as he grabs his clothing and follows her through. He dresses as she puts a robe on.
The Hag looks for her wand, unaware that the Prince just noticed his coin bag is missing, all he has is his used-up crystal. Rorik fears his coin bag is in his saddlebag on his horse. The Prince is worried Jacque will demand coin before opening her doorway. He feels she will use this excuse to keep him longer as her slave. Rorik then recalls he had his coin bag in his hand when he offered it to Jacque for her Dark Door, just before everything went wrong.
Knowing he had it here causes Rorik to smolder, suspecting the old hag took it. Not daring to confront her, he grabs a few poison ampules, putting the small bottles in his pocket, planning to recoup some of his coin by selling them. Jacque’s pet cat comes rubbing against her leg, she picks it up. Feeding her cat as she tiredly looks for clothes, she changes her mind, ‘Me just want me Precious Prince gone so he cannot harm me, and me can sleep safely.’
Jacque pulls the cat from her third nipple, tossing it, she frowns and turns around. She searches in the debris on the table as she curses, “Dark, me just had it!” She kicks at her clothing, and tosses a bin that is on the table to the floor. It sends the rotting fruit rolling across her shack. She looks at him suspiciously. Giving up for a moment, she gets some ash and draws a door, with a rune mark in it, on the wall. Rorik tries not to show how furious he is.
It is hard for the Prince to not scream at her about his stolen coin bag, certain if he asks she will make him stay longer. She looks on every ledge, in drawers, and in her jars. The Hag curses, “Where te Nifl did me put tat grim crystal?” He shrugs, stepping back, in her tiny one room shack, trying to stay out of her way as she crisscrosses it. Jacque says, “Me had it here, at tis wall, ta close te Dark Door ta me hut. Me went-?” Rorik worries this is a ploy.
He feels she wants to get more work or time in her bed from him, and he will never get away from her. The dark Witch rushes to the corner, “Um, me was here lookin’ out te window as me fed te precious cat.” She stands there perplexed. The Hag swears, “Where te frozen Nifl is me crystal?” As Rorik looks at the chaos of the small hut and hears her tone, it tells him it is unlikely to be a tactic to delay him. The Hag puts her hand in the pocket of her robe.
She pulls the crystal out, holding it up with glee, “Twas in me own grim pocket te whole time and I got all mad about it!” Jacque mocks herself, “Me searched for nothin’!” Rorik notices the glow coming from it. The Hag’s crystal is superior to any he has ever seen. Rorik is certain it is powerful enough to be a Sorceress’ Stone. Jacque puts the crystal on the wall, over the rune, opening her Dark Door. She tosses it, so the crystal lands on the cluttered table.
She walks out to look at the forest, breathing in its crisp fall air. As Rorik walks by the table, he switches her crystal with his. Rorik feels he just made the agony he endured for the past two nights and a day a bit less humiliating. Fingering her crystal, Prince Rorik realizes he should have lied about who he is; it is too late now.
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~*~
Darciana is intimidated, as she bravely walks to the large ornate front entrance, where the guards stand behind the gates. It is hard for her to believe this is the home of one of her kin. Trying to imagine how Samala had managed to abandon camps and travel for this stunning castle. As she approaches, she sees the guards changing to the night shift. Night Captain Tik demands, “What do you want?”
She is dismayed at his rudeness, she says, “I need to speak with Queen Samala.” He shakes his head, “She does not receive peasants.” Darciana adds, “It is urgent and of grave importance.” Tik huffs, “We do not allow beggars inside, go away.” She looks at them, hoping for anyone’s help. Darciana says, “I am kin to her.” Tik scoffs, as she bravely adds, “I have learned of a threat against her life.” He laughs, “Where would a vagrant learn of such a plot?”
Darciana urges, “Show mercy, I am an Oracle. I came a very long way to warn her.” Captain Heg turns, looking at her, he wants to help her. But he fears intervening as his shift has ended. Captain Tik is in charge, he snorts, “As if the queen would believe your sort. Be gone, or I will cast you in the dungeon.” She dares yell, “Beware! Queen Samala’s necklace is Hexed! You must warn her not to wear it, for it will take her gift!” A carriage pulls up behind her. Hearing it Darciana turns, as the coach door opens she rushes to it.
She pleads with the man inside, “Please help me. I must get a message to your Queen-.” Darciana backs up, sensing his anger and that she knows him. The Rambler is certain she has never seen this man before. She frowns, feeling she had dealt with this stocky gray haired older man in the past. He gets out as she runs for her wagon, aware of his evil aura, saying, “I will not bother you sir.” Darciana wishes she had done a vision to see how to contact Queen Samala.
As she climbs on her wagon, she feels the mark of the Black Spot release from her palm. Distracted, she looks at her left hand relieved to see it is gone. The Rambler’s attempt to tell Samala was enough to remove the Curse, proving she is forgiven for Hexing the necklace. She can leave and will write Queen Samala a letter, warning her. Darciana picks up the reins, ready to ride off. Suddenly, the older man easily pulls her down off of the caravan’s seat.
He moves far faster than she expected of one of his age. Turning her to face him, she senses it, ‘Mullo!’ He addresses her, “Darciana, you failed to get my permission before leaving my estate. Nor did I allow you to come here and bother these people.” Darciana gasps loudly imploring the Guards, “I have never seen him before. I am no one’s indentured servant!” They snort, giving her dark looks. She begs, “Please help me. I am not a slave either.”
Darciana pleads, “He is lying! I insist that he lets go of me! He is a Mullo, a Vampire! You must save me from what is surely a dark fate!” Tik enjoys other’s pain, telling himself it proves he is superior and immune to their fates. Captain Tik chuckles at Darciana’s plight, “It shows how little you know. This is House Strigoi, we are Vampires too.” The Evil One threatens, “As my property, it is my right to punish you.” She tries to get away.
The gray-haired man proves he is also a vampire, moving faster than humanly possible, as he grabs her by the neck. Kolo chokes her into unconsciousness in seconds. She had not realized the deadly position she was in fast enough. Not even her magic can help her now. Andre asks, “Should we stop him?” Tik growls, “No. She deserves her fate, spouting lies, intending to steal something once inside the castle, no doubt. I will not be blamed for letting her in!”
The Evil One drags Darciana to his carriage and tosses her in. Kolo instructs one of his men to bring her wagon. His man climbs up and drives her caravan, following the fine black carriage. Inside the coach, the Evil One places iron cuffs upon Darciana’s wrists. This ensures she cannot use magic against him when she wakes. Sidonia sees the redheaded Kolo as he slides the lid of a tomb open; it is six years later as Darciana slowly opens her eyes, and Kolo grins.
Kolo says, “I have a bracelet for you to Hex, so Samala has no powers.” Darciana replies, “If I do, will you let me go?” Kolo smirks, “Your death will be quicker and less painful as long as you do it right.” Sidonia wakes on the Ferry at Half Moon Bay, recalling the bracelet. It is a faded memory; she gave that bracelet to her mum at the Asylum, not knowing it was spelled, allowing Kolo to capture Queen Samala. Sidonia drifts back to sleep, hoping to wake rested.
~*~
Dark Elf Kingdom, Small Throne Room, 5 AM, 677, 29th, October
King Bailey rushes over, asking, “High Lord Anthony, can you tell me if my wife is alright?” Anthony mocks Bailey, “It would have been wiser for you to have considered the danger to her, prior to causing this mess. I hope she recovers and will not be required to barter for her son’s life. You are a coward bringing them into this, and foolish to have risked their lives for your profit.”
Angrily, King Anthony disappears, leaving Bailey frightened, humiliated, and more than a bit confused. He asks Alrod, “What did Anthony mean when he said, Vanna will be required to barter for your life? Your mother has not been needed here at all.” Alrod fumes, “Why did you risk bringing her if you did not need her?” Bailey walks off without answering, he thinks of his wife as desirable property to flaunt and enjoys seeing others’ jealousy.
~*~
Kolo’s Catacombs, 5 AM, 677, 29th, October
Inside the Maiden’s Torture, Darciana connects with her relative, waking the Princess, “Sidonia. Do not be alarmed, I am your kin, and I seek to warn you.” Sidonia asks, “Who are you?” The Strix replies, “I am Darciana, a Rambler, and cousin to your mother. I am in the Human Realm, so I am able to make this mind connection with you.” Sidonia says, “I just had a vision of you being forced to hex the necklace and bracelet I gave my mother.”
The Princess adds, “I saw Kolo take you from the gate of our Castle.” The Strix moans, “Yes, your past and mine have a dark connection, beyond our blood. I wish someone warned me of Kolo. Still, I hope to save you.” She hurries, “I must tell you a ‘Dark Truth of Betrayal’ now.” Sidonia has a grim shiver, feeling it is a harbinger of death. Darciana rushes, “I must warn you, Samala is in contact with Rorik.” Sidonia admits, “Often Rorik’s arrival is a bad omen.”
Quickly, Darciana informs, “Samala found you on the river and is sending Rorik to get the book from you.” Sidonia groans at this betrayal. It gets worse as Darciana adds, “Samala told Rorik to torture the location of the book from you, if he does not find it on you. No matter what he does, you must never tell him or anyone that you found it nor are aware where it is! I can connect to his mind as I just did with yours. I cannot know his future as he wears a charm.”
Horrified, Sidonia gasps. “I cannot believe this is true.” Darciana groans, “Life is pain; accept that, and fight it.” Sidonia wants to doubt her, “You are certain of Samala’s plan?” Angrily Darciana says, “Would I waste my time and energy if I were guessing. Yes, once Rorik has gotten the book from you, she will tell Kolo where you are.” Sidonia groans. The Rambler says, “Denying what you already sensed was true, does not keep you good nor safe.”
Darciana dislikes that she needs to be harsh, “Regrettably, it just makes you vulnerable and foolish! I am sorry that I do not have time to convince you. Do not trust them!” Princess Sidonia admits, “Yes, of course it is why Fate showed me the vision of you, so that I would trust you. I just hoped Samala had changed, no longer blaming me for Kolo capturing her.” Darciana states, “Very few people ever change their mind or their ways. Accept it and fight.”
The Rambler adds, “It is a waste of hope to expect they will ever do better.” Sidonia agrees, “Thank you for warning me. Is there any way that I can save you?” Darciana laughs coldly, “No. I have checked, seeking a way for you to help; each time you become his prisoner.” Sidonia groans, “It is horrible to leave you there, being tortured then killed.” Darciana replies, “I appreciate your offer to free me. You must accept that this is my fate for not running.”
Darciana says, “Before I was forced to help Kolo. Learn from my mistakes and run! I have found out that he is not much older than me. I am counting on him forgetting that one day, in his arrogance. And, when he does forget, I hope to break free of him, possibly ending him violently, all by myself.”
~*~
Wink is patrolling when he catches the three troublemakers sneaking back into camp. Wink tells his son, “Bert, since you and your friends will not obey, I have work for you.” They groan; his pa takes them to the graveyard. Giving them shovels, Wink points, “Get three graves dug and think about them being yours. Or worse others that you killed after becoming a Warg because you ignored orders! It is why you will not be invited on a hunt. You cannot be trusted.”
Bert fumes, “We are men now, so we can leave when we want.” Wink says, “You just proved you are not a man. Men follow orders. You act like Krist, who always thought he knew better.” Wink watches to make sure the graves are spaced apart, then leaves to patrol the area. The boys grumble as they dig the graves. Al says, “You said he was asleep.” Bert shrugs, “Clearly he woke up.” They moan, Al grumbles, “We are gonna be trapped in camp for months.”
Geof groans, “This is boring.” Bert fumes, “I should be hunting the Warg with Xiko.” Geof snorts, “You are crazy.” Al scoffs, “You want the curse and have to be a Wolf?” Bert claims, “I would not mind.” Geof mocks, “You are too chicken.” Bert brags, “I know a way to have excitement in camp, and even hunt a monster. If the tales are true, which I highly doubt.” The two stop digging, Geof asks, “Let us hear it then.” Bert says, “You dig, while I steal a head.”
Frowning, Al asks, “What head?” Bert says, “Trek’s, it is in a bag, under our wagon.” Geof laughs, “You will never do it.” Al asks, “Why is it under your wagon?” Bert says, “Waiting to be burned tonight.” Al asks, “What about Wirf’s and Grigori’s heads?” Bert says, “Xiko took Wirf’s to his sister, no one will care about Trek’s.” Geof scoffs, “I doubt you are brave enough!” Bert smirks, “I will show you how brave I am.” Al says, “Prove it.” Bert runs off.
Geof tells Al, “The joke is on us, he is not coming back until we have dug it all for him.” Al says, “I bet his pa will catch him.” Yet, Bert returns and they watch as he opens the sack, seeing Trek’s head. Al whispers, “Your pa is coming!” Bert hides it in the pile of dirt, and starts shoveling. Wink walks by as he patrols the camp. The boys snicker with relief and excitement at what might happen.
~WBM~