WBM
Chapter Twenty-One
Appreciate the Worst Moments
~SV~
Hangman’s Haunt Forest, Dawn, 677, 29th, October
Krist finds the stranger is blocking his path. Mino throws his daggers at the Wolf and one strikes the Warg’s ear, cutting the tip off, before Krist can get away. The Warg howls in pain and flees them into the woods, realizing his circles are no longer working for him. The hunters nearly got him on their second try. Sidonia sees the Warg is going east, she has Xiko leave the woods.
Princess Sidonia knows they can ride faster on the road than following Krist on the narrow path he is taking. She makes the two oracles aware that she hopes to cut him off. Mino stays with the Warg, while Eddirk follows Xiko out of the woods onto the road. Sidonia has a dark grin knowing Krist is fleeing in fear, as she watches the Warg in her vision to see when they have gotten in front of the Wolf so she can alert the others.
~*~
Kolo’s Craftroom, Dawn, 677, 29th, October
Samala contacts Rorik, not bothering to drain herself further by seeing where he is; she asks, ‘Are you any closer to getting Sidonia?’ Rorik says, “Yes. I got away from the Hexing Hag! I am on the river and might catch up with Sidonia later today, if not then tonight once the Ferry stops. Can you tell me which pier she is near to right now?” Samala seethes, ‘No, I am currently too weak. And last time I tried, for some reason I was unable to see her.’
The Mad Queen fumes, ‘Your delays might have caused my doom.’ He huffs, “Can you just get a vision of where you are and tell me?” His mother curses, ‘Darkest demons, do you ever listen to me? I already told you twice, I cannot see where I am. Now I am too weak to try again nor find where Sidonia is. When I did learn her location, she was going to be at Half Moon Bay last night.’ She tries a nicer tone, ‘I sense she has run away with Anthony’s book.’
Rorik groans. Samala insists, ‘I need you to get her alone, get the book from her. If she does not have it, cut her until she gives up where it is. Leave her bound up for Kolo to take.’ Rorik is stunned speechless, at what it means for Sidonia; she will be Kolo’s prisoner. The Queen hurries, not noticing, ‘Secure and hide the book. I will tell Kolo where she is.’ Her breath is ragged as Rorik tries to assure himself, ‘I will rescue them both, it is worth it to have Mum safe.’
Struggling Samala finishes, ‘Stay hidden. When Kolo Skotadi comes for Sidonia, I need you to track him back here. When you get near here-.’ Rorik has a hard time concentrating on what she is saying, as his mind screams, ‘No, I cannot cause Sidonia’s capture. I am sure Mother will not let me rescue Sidonia.’ His mum’s voice is fading, ‘-hide and wait. Sleep during the day and watch each night. It could be days before he leaves this place.’
She tells him, ‘When he goes, I need you to sneak in.’ He is stunned at the danger she is willing to put him in. She groans, ‘You must find me. I saw four guards. He might have more, though he will take some with him. It is likely he has staff taking care of his home too. Early hours before they wake, would be safest, be careful. If you mess this up, or get caught, I will have less hope of escaping the dangerous demon.’ Rorik is sickened, his mum’s plan is easy her.
It sounds like she has no guilt, nor remorse. It is only deadly for him. Her lack of faith in him also cuts deeply, it makes him want to yell at her after all he has been through to get here. Her voice trails off, scaring him. Rorik takes back all of his anger at her, and is relieved when she speaks, ‘He is away for months before he returns. That will give you time to search and find me, do not bother with the others down here, they will only seek to harm you.’ He groans.
She adds, ‘I am underground in a maze of catacombs. My stone tomb is different from the others’; it has a window over my face. From his comments, I can only guess it is beneath his home. Are you paying attention? You are my only hope.’ Rorik rubs his head, it hurts just to listen to her, she moans, ‘If you fail to follow him, or to find us, we will use the book.’ He groans and she yells, ‘It is important to him, so I can use it to barter for my freedom!’
The Queen pleads, ‘You must get this right! Do you want me with you, or here being killed in cruel ways?’ Rorik has a nagging feeling that he will regret it if he helps her escape. He is unsure he wants Samala in his life, admitting, “I cannot cause Sidonia to be kidnapped, she will be tortured and killed by him.” Samala’s voice comes back stronger as she seethes, ‘Do you wish to leave me here trapped in his murderous prison for eternity?’
Giving in, Rorik says, “No.” Wisely, she is not convinced, ‘Do you want to die? If you do not let Kolo grab her, Sidonia will destroy us all! You will die in her place at Kolo’s hand!’ He asks, “Is there another less violent way?” His weakness angers her, ‘You forget, she caused this to happen to me. Do you recall all of your suffering without me?’ Rorik asks, “How will Kolo find her?” His mum harshly accuses, ‘You were not listening!’
Rorik groans, “Sorry.” Her voice is sickly sweet, ‘Kolo asked me to find her. Once you have the book, I will tell him where she is!’ Rorik almost wretches, as he sees no way out. Samala gasps, ‘I am near fainting. When I wake, I will look to see if she is bound and you have the book. Then I will tell Kolo. Do not fail me, Rorik. I am nearly free of this painful torment.’ She breaks their connection, Rorik feels her go and screams out, “Wait, do not leave me!”
Prince Rorik groans, “I am to use Sidonia as bait?” As much as he hates it, he also hates Sidonia for causing it. Rorik also fears he will do anything to get his mum back. There is a sudden pain on his left palm, he glances at it, seeing a small red spot. He goes back to rowing, before seeing the image of Sidonia and the Black Spot that appeared afterward. He mistakenly assumes with a groan, “And now I am getting a blood blister from rowing?”
Rorik fumes, “More likely a sliver from the rotten old wooden oar! All because of my demon half-sister Sidonia!”
~*~
Kolo’s Play Room, Nearing Sunrise, 677, 29th, October
Kolo finishes drinking the rest of Nepathi’s blood from the pan under the empty Iron Maiden. He is relieved to not have visions of the deaths he caused this time, Lola says, “I actually feel better; odd that I get energy from you drinking it.” He nods, “It might be because you are in me. I am glad I can help you gain some strength back. We will need it. I was shocked that Donatello’s sword had mystical powers. I never would have let you face him, had I known.”
Lola shudders at the memory, “I have never heard of such a thing happening, have you?” Thinking, Kolo replies, “No, just iron and his black sword did far worse than it can. Come, let us torment the Witches!” Giggling, they enter the Craftroom. Once there they glare at the cousins. Lola’s mist emerges on his left. As Samala opens her eyes, they assume she was seeking a vision of Sidonia.
Kolo hisses at her, “Well did you find your daughter yet?” As she tries to reply, snidely Darciana says, “The Mad Queen cannot speak, currently.” Kolo is not amused. He comes at her, Darciana reverses it, “Fine, she can speak to you now.” Kolo demands of the Rambler, “And did you find where the book is?” Convincingly, Darciana lies, “I find no evidence of it, anywhere. Either it is cloaked using extreme measures, by ones of greater power-.”
She groans weakly, “-than mine, or it was destroyed.” Kolo’s eyes burn with anger as she asks, “Are you certain the Demon War book ever existed?” Lola cackles, “We would not demand you find it, if he had not seen the book himself!” The two Strixes gasp, Darciana’s was faked. Samala says, “This is a revelation.” They see Kolo is not pleased that Lola has divulged it. The Mad Queen scoffs, “All this time in doubt, why not just say that you saw it before?”
Kolo sneers, “Well Samala, I never knew you questioned its existence, since you were there!” Insulted, she scoffs, “I am not that old, to be there during the Demon War!” Darciana laughs at her mistake, causing Samala to hiss at her, “Shut up Hag!” Darciana starts a hex, waiting to do the final line; knowing when to fight. Samala sneers, “You said it was a war journal! If from that time, it is impossible for me to have witnessed it!”
Queen Samala huffs, “In fact, I guess, I am very close to your age, so how did you see it?” Kolo shakes his head, as the Mad Queen smirks, “Now that I see who you really are, I recall you were a new vampire when we met. So why would I have seen the book?” Lola cackles, “You were there when the book was nearly destroyed!” He glares at his twin, for saying too much, again.
~*~
Dark Elf Kingdom, Nearing Sunrise, 677, 29th, October
Anthony, Edmund, and Ormando arrive at the same time, in their quarters. They speak in their original language, so if anyone overhears their conversation, they are unlikely to learn what they have said. Ormando groans at the tedium of the talks, as he asks, “Is it time to expose their lies so we can move on with their true needs and finish this negotiation?”
King Anthony says, “Yes, I agree it is time. Let us sleep and speak of how to move this along, at sunset.” Edmund says, “I am surprised you accepted his lame excuses for an apology.” Anthony replies, “I am more interested in ending this, than killing him for being a liar. I am aware of Haldir’s exhaustion; it is enough that he will wish for this to be concluded.”
~*~
Giving in, Kolo admits, “You were in the room the day I saw the Grim War book!” He sits in his chair, at the head of the craft table. Darciana mocks, “Story time.” Kolo tells them, “It was your first Territorial Meeting. There was an incident with three young vampires, suddenly they had powers beyond their years. It should have taken them decades to achieve. The Old Ones found they used a spell in one of their books.” Samala says, “I do not recollect that.”
Kolo smirks, “Well I do, for several reasons. We sentenced the three and entombed them for a few decades. Our meetings were ending when several leaders insisted that they take another vote. This time they wanted to destroy the spell from every Old Ones’ book. They won and declared the spell forbidden. This revealed it was not the only spell used. So, they dared to demand the destruction of each of their books. I noticed the Old Ones had their own titles.”
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Samala shakes her head, “I still do not recall this meeting.” It enrages Kolo, “Even though they likely had the same information, their Grim books were named differently by them. They each began ripping out the spells from their books.” His face darkens, as it still angers him, Kolo seethes, “I cringed as a few tossed them in the fire, fearing another might misuse the spells, gaining powers they had not earned.” Samala scoffs in annoyance, “I do not recall any of this.”
She mockingly adds, “Nor have I ever heard of their being spells for vampires!” Kolo hisses at her scornful tone, “You are naïve!” Darciana taunts, “How did you think vampires came to be, if not by a Witch’s magical spell? However, since you have no skill with spells, I doubt you had any interest in their conflict. You likely excused yourself.” Darciana had just viewed the meeting, verifying what Kolo revealed. She fears him ever getting the book.
The Rambler believes he will become even harder to kill or escape from, if he has the power of these spells. Samala wants to deny it all. However, it does bring forth a memory, the Mad Queen admits, “I think I left to check on Rorik. It was the first time I was away from him for that long.” Kolo fumes, “I should have killed that brat at the same time I got your first husband. You are always failing to be of any use to me because of him! Had you stayed-.”
He sneers, “-you would have seen it. Sidonia had to find it sight unseen! I only told her Anthony’s book had black leather with metal and copper bindings, and his was titled Sanguis Bellator.” Samala frowns, “What?” Kolo sneers, “It is Greek, for Blood Warrior.” Darciana says, “I viewed Sidonia’s search, never seeing her find it. I sense it was burned, at the same time as the other books.” Kolo counters, “Only a few burned them.”
The Evil One sneers, “The Trulov brothers foolishly caved into the pressure. Instead of burning a few pages, they tossed their whole war book into the fire. I would have refused to burn any of it.” Standing, Kolo and Lola leave, going upstairs in a huff. Darciana closes her eyes, concentrating on moving past her pain. When she told Nepathi that Kolo used his staff to put the bolts in, it gave her an idea. Being a Witch of the elements, she now tests it.
Placing her palms flat on the wood, she takes strength from the arms of her chair. Sure enough the Rambler feels it healing her.
~*~
Once in his study, Kolo sits, drinking as Lola asks, “You said it was nearly destroyed. Did he burn his book too?” Kolo groans, “Darciana has caused doubts, I am tired as dawn is nearing. Let me ponder it.” Lola pries, “You did not used to be uncertain.” Kolo shrugs, “I did not consider its uses, until a few years later, when we needed it. Only one, which you stole had a spell, it brought powers in my blood sooner. I searched all of them; the spells were burnt.”
Kolo sighs, “There is only one that you and I did not find, Anthony’s. I was trying to recall the details of that week; I remember Anthony was strangely silent as he listened to their concerns. He was neither unsurprised nor furious, as if he knew it would happen and was prepared. Only disappointed that it was coming to pass. I had guessed that Samala warned him about it. But now I doubt she did. It enrages me still, that Anthony allowed the burning of the spells.”
~*~
Darciana connects again with Sidonia to finish her warning, ‘Do not give in to Rorik or Samala’s plan. She will not allow Rorik to save you nor us.’ Sidonia holds tight to Xiko as she communicates with her kin. Darciana’s tone is ominous, ‘Do not let Rorik bind and leave you for Kolo. Samala ordered Rorik to only rescue her.’ Sidonia gasps, ‘That is horrible! She will leave you.’ The Strix agrees, ‘If Rorik cannot track Kolo Samala plans to use the book.’
The Rambler takes some more strength from the chair, adding, ‘-to barter for her freedom. She knows how much Kolo desires Anthony’s book. Kolo wants that book bad enough that he just might agree or more likely pretend to. You can never admit finding it to anyone, or you and all hope shall die!’ Sidonia has a chill of foreboding. From what she just said, it appears Darciana knows she has obtained the Blood Warrior book.
Darciana proves her right, saying, ‘Even though it has its own protective barrier, always keep it hidden! I just learned three vampires were entombed for using spells from those books, they burnt the spells, and even some books, because of it.’ Sidonia fears Endora and Mercia might hear this exchange. Darciana groans with pain, she takes more from her chair, then adds, “By using the spell they gained powers beyond their years.” Sidonia gasps.
The Rambler adds, “Foolishly flaunting their powers, it exposed what the three vampires did to all who saw it, they began questioning how it happened. Those spells were also in your father’s book. Kolo is certain your father has other even more valuable spells too, which is why Anthony refused to burn the whole book. This is why Kolo had you searching for it!’ Sidonia is reassured, it is what her instincts warned her of, and why Kolo wanted the book.
Sidonia tells her, ‘I promise, I will do all I can. Yet you know of it; how do I keep others from learning it too?’ Darciana states, ‘I figured out ways around the charms; I saw you learned to do that when others at school did not.’ Sidonia feels dread at how this Witch knows so much about her. Darciana’s tone is intense, ‘I went back to when your father created his book, needing to understand why Kolo desired it. I saw Obsidian a powerful Witch, as she spelled it.’
Obsidian’s name sends a shiver of fear through Sidonia. After Skull Island, she knows Father had used her famous three-lock-boxes to hide the book; she has less doubt about trusting what Darciana knows. The Rambler warns her, ‘She told him others will desire it and how you will die without his book. It was then no longer visible. I never saw what he wrote either, the war was too long to try watching every moment of every day hoping to see.’
The Rambler groans, ‘Even the spells he must have witnessed were blocked to me. I am rarely awake, so I have spent a decade just to see where he put it, and only recently, did I see that you found it. Still, I only guessed, as it is invisible. Obsidian told Anthony in other’s hands it is deadly, but it will save you. Even blocked, I am aware of something I do not see.’ The Princess admits, ‘I did that to find the book.’ Darciana says, ‘Yes. If you are clever-.’
Darciana moans, ‘-it is how to find me. In an area that is blocked from your vision. Beware, Kolo is too dangerous for you to come. If you locate us, only send word to your father. Be wary of your half-brother. Samala is condemning Rorik if he obeys her.’ Sidonia says, ‘I will do as you advise.’ The Strix gives a grave warning, ‘If Rorik binds you, leading to your death, the Ramblers will learn of it. He will be executed. Be ready to fight Rorik.’
The Strix huffs, ‘Even kill him.’ Sidonia gasps at the idea. Darciana adds, ‘I have a plan to Hex him and Samala, in a way that even if I die, they will not be freed. I hope to ward Rorik off harming you, still do not assume it worked. I will try to keep Samala from telling Kolo your location. She will feel the consequences for asking Rorik to harm you. You cannot depend on me. If Kolo kills me, I can be of no further help to you; he already had me in a torture device.’
Darciana seethes, ‘I cannot keep Samala from telling Kolo if I die. Kolo and Lola are healing quickly, yet not at full strength. Still, they plan to come for you and the book tonight. If he manages to take you, all hope is lost.’ Her next words were prophetic, ‘Use the spell from the book, reword it to lock your knowledge of the book from all others; punishing any who seek it. This spell also makes you aware if others try to read your mind.”
She groans, “Repeat the spell anytime you sense others trying to seek your thoughts. This is when you can ‘Appreciate the Worst Moments’ in your past. Use those fear filled, painful times to block all thoughts of the book, and other things behind them. It is what they will experience when they try to learn your secrets. You will recognize their fear and pain. I will use it now, locking what I know from all.’ Sidonia does as Darciana advises, thinking her spell,
‘By my Oracle and Dhampirica Bloodline,
And protection spell on the Blood Warrior book.
Trap all knowledge of the book and it spells from others,
Lock it behind my most painful and terrifying memories.
Punish any who seek it, so they experience the pain and terror,
Make it happen to them immediately, continuing until they stop.’
Darciana groans, taking more strength from her chair as she adds, ‘I will use it so I do not end up jeopardizing you either.’
~*~
Lola comes out of Kolo to float as she contemplates, “Did Anthony burn it?” Kolo replies, “His book appeared, he ripped three pages from it, he showed them to the other Old Ones, they nodded. Then Anthony tossed the three pages into the flames.” Lola hisses, “What if those were the ones we need? What else do you expect to find in his book? Will it get me the Witch’s body that I want?” He rolls his eyes, dismissing all of her concerns.
Kolo says, “Some were not happy that he did not toss his book in, they claimed he was being defiant.” She taunts, “Did he finally give in, burning the book to appease them?” Kolo says, “I have a strong memory of being horrified at the others burning any book so carelessly. I was pleased at Anthony’s refrain, only ripping three pages out. Yet even that seemed like sacrilege. The bloody cowards, blaming a book, instead of the snot sniveling culprits.”
He muses, “They were just trying to get out of punishing their own children, by faulting the spells. One mocked and then tried to bully Anthony, saying, ‘Why not toss the whole book in?’ I was sitting by Gregory Hedgeland, during the meeting-.” She cuts in, “His name is familiar, who is he?” Kolo says, “Gregory drank from me as I lay dying. He learned I was born quarter blood child and quarter witch. It was unlikely I would survive my first death.”
Kolo angrily adds, “Without a vampire’s blood. Gregory is an Old One. He gave me his blood… after Anthony refused, due to seeing Mum’s abuse. Anthony felt that I would have dark tendencies.” Lola smirks, “Well, it seems he was right. Still, it is just another reason to despise Mum, and even Anthony.” He glares, Lola changes the subject, “Mother had no magic. So, Father was a Witch who became a Vampire. It explains you needing a vampire’s blood.”
Lola muses, “I do often wonder who our father is, also why he hid his identity from Mother and us.” Kolo scoffs, “We do not need the rotten old rat! I no longer care to find him and you should not waste any time on him either, unless you plan to kill him, then you can count on me helping you, to give him what he deserves!”
~*~
Tired, Darciana gasps, ‘Sidonia, use the spells from your father’s book to keep yourself well hidden from those who have our powers! Run far, as fast as you can. Once you are safely away, use your gift to learn; practice so you become stronger. Only then, if you dare, should you seek our location, and be patient as it could take decades to find us. If you learn our location, send others to release us, never come yourself! I saw a possible future for you.’
The Strix says, ‘It is not an easy one, yet you have the destiny to help save many lives. Listen, I want you to stop feeling guilty for how you came upon the book and how you took it without your father’s permission.’ Sidonia asks, ‘How can I?’ Darciana states, ‘You are not guilty for Kolo’s actions. Your Father was warned it would happen and it is why he gave you the keys. He was told this day would come and he could not stop it nor try.’
The Rambler adds, ‘Obsidian warned him that if he told you the consequences would be worse for you.’ Sidonia is stunned, ‘Why did she tell him that? If he just spoke to me, I would have trusted him. I would have told him all of it.’ Darciana replies, ‘That is why. If your father intervened, it would cause a deadlier outcome for you. If you felt safe, you would risk staying, causing your capture! Your guilt was key to making you run as it felt like your only option.’
Sidonia groans, ‘That is exactly what happened!’ Darciana tells her, ‘Your father loves you; he knows you have to run and hide with his book.’ Sidonia has an unexpected sob of relief; accepting her father understands and tried to help her. She is more certain that running is the right thing to do. Darciana says, ‘In your future, you will face betrayal and deadly challenges. Look to see good people who are close to you that you can rely on, in your darkest moments.’
The Strix tells her, ‘They will be there for you.’ Sidonia gasps, ‘I am running to stay out of trouble. Can I change this?’ Darciana assures her, ‘Evil always fights good. You are doing the right thing, keep seeking to help others. Just be wary, doing good with your gift will always cause evil to be nearby, but do it anyway! Obsidian told Anthony that your guidance of his bloodline will end Kolo and free us!’ Sidonia feels hope.
Darciana adds, ‘Train your Oracle descendants and protect them even at your own peril. The future depends on their choices.’ Sidonia is disturbed to hear she has more betrayal coming and she does not wish to bring a child into this dangerous future, either.
~WBM~