WBM
Chapter Twenty-Three
Viktor’s Gargoyle
~SV~
Devil’s Woods, Sun up, 677, 29th, October
Riding behind Xiko, the Oracle is having a vision of her past. Excited, the blond boy tells Sidonia, “It is just like magic; this is how it always happens. I am supposed to go south to buy a horse and have delayed it.” He laughs, “I put the trip off because no one can go with, it is so boring to go alone. And now I will have you to talk to. When I saw you, I knew speaking to you would bring me luck. I will go look at the horse while you go talk to your mother.”
He grins, “Best of all I shall have your company on our ride back too!” Young Sidonia smiles, “That will be nice.” The boy says, “In fact, any time I have a problem, I will just ask you for a vision and that can pay for the bracelet.” Relieved, Sidonia smiles, “Oh yes, it is perfect. I will like practicing my visions by helping you.” Slyly, Kolo grins, “I cannot even tell you what a big favor this is.” Sidonia comes out of the vision, determined to kill Kolo for his deceit.
The dark girl fumes, ‘No wonder Kolo fooled me. I never suspected he could be a boy! I only watched for an adult to trick me.’ Sidonia groans, ‘If you are giving me a vision, I wish it was showing how I escape this mess or better yet how I can kill Kolo!’
~N~
Prince Rorik clenches his teeth crying out with agony and anger. As the pain lessened slightly, the green mist fades from his hand. When he is able, he cautiously opens his fist looking at his palm, afraid of what he will see. He glares at his fate seeing the Black Spot, is now ‘the Mark of the Beast’. It forms the head of a half man half wolf in the middle of the palm on his left hand. Rorik sobs, “No, you do not understand, I am doing right by my Mum.”
He insists, “I have to save my mother and I can save Sidonia too!” Darciana has a sinister laugh, ‘You shall not save your mum. And you know Samala will never let you save Sidonia, even if you try! I shall make certain your mum suffers the consequences with you. She shall bear a mark like yours, only her beast shall be more vile and darker, since she asked this of you.’ Rorik cries, “That is not fair! She suffered so much already! It is Kolo’s fault!”
He fumes, “I am just trying to free her.” Darciana mocks, ‘Samala does not deserve her children, nor anyone’s help.’ Rorik feels he is in Nifl, as she adds, ‘She has doomed you for listening to her vile whispers.’ He wonders how she knows his mum has spoken to him. Then recalls a bit of what he divulged to the Hexing Hag, when trying to get her to release him, does this witch know Jacque? Or maybe Maleva, where she saw his path and discouraged it.
Darciana hisses, ‘The fact that you agreed to her plan is on your own soul! You have brought on the wrath of the Ramblers and I have marked you to suffer as a beast. See the image and have the pain each time you fail to turn from this plan. Rorik foolishly swears, “You filthy demon witch! I have already turned into a beast every full moon.” Girls at the market hear him, looking at Rorik with fear.
The Prince scoffs at her, “Due to Kolo and his men coming for me. Just because I defended myself, I am a Wolf three nights each month, so I do not fear you, nor your pathetic hex!” With that, his mark grows larger. Rorik screams as it burns, cursing her aloud, “You rotten ratty, wicked witch!” Fishermen on the shoreline shout at him, “Madman!” “Crazy fool!” “Lunatic!” Until this, Rorik had not realized he was speaking aloud, but Rorik still does not care.
She laughs, ‘Oh, the Wolf is your friend, this Beast is much darker. The Mark of your Black Palm will tell all Ramblers what you did. They will shun you! It ensures you do not have a proper burial in order to avoid it! It is not contained by the moon.’ He hisses, “It is not fair, I just got Mum back after no word in over four years!” She mocks, ‘And that excuses the evil you plan for Sidonia?’ He admits, “I do not want to do it.” She pulls more energy from her chair.
Darciana then sternly warns, ‘You are guilty of willingly planning Sidonia’s capture, her torture, and death at Kolo’s hands. You are breaking our Oath to never harm a Rambler and you fail to show remorse! Nor have the good sense to beg for my mercy and as such, I shall give you none! Wear the Mark of the Beast you have earned! I am so glad you killed Kolo’s man. I used your blood curse to twist your Wolf. I can block your mother’s access to you.”
Rorik has relief, knowing he will not be tempted anymore. Yet fear comes at being alone, as she says, “It will save you from Samala’s dark whispers-.’ Rorik screams, “Wait! Do not take her from me! I just got her back! I cannot be without her!” Rorik knows his guilt, and that he deserves this fate. Even as he faces his dark, frightening punishment, he is unsure he can turn from his current path. As he thinks this, Rorik suffers an intense pain in his hand.
He stares at it seeing the Hex of the Black Palm increases, growing to the size of a coin. Rorik asks, “How do I get you to stop this curse? I am sorry, alright? Surely you can take the Mark of the Beast back!” She scoffs, ‘Your remorse lacks the bite of your deadly intentions.’ Lying, Rorik pleads, “I never intended to harm Sidonia!” Darciana sneers, ‘I heard your exchange with your vile mum, liar. You accepted that it will be worth it to have your mum.’ He gasps.
She hisses, ‘You barely hesitated, when Samala asked you to cause Sidonia’s kidnapping, torture, and death! You fail to consider your sister’s age at the time! Recall when your mum told you not to go in the road, you did it anyway and Anthony’s carriage nearly hit you? It caused Anthony to meet your mum. You were older than Sidonia was, and you were worse at listening! Your actions had consequences, fortunate for you that Vampire, Anthony, is good.’
Darciana scolds, ‘Imagine if it were Kolo and you were tricked and compelled. She is innocent, as much as you would be if Kolo had done it to you, not her!’ Rorik shivers at her knowing his thoughts, past, guilt, and plans. She scoffs, ‘You are lying to yourself; assuming that in Sidonia’s place you would have done better against a Vampire’s will! You did not offer your mother a better solution to her plight. Did you even think of your Oath?’
She insists, ‘Remember you made it with the leader of your Clan?’ He whimpers with guilt, lying, “No.” She says, ‘Yes you do. You spilt your blood in his cup, sealing your oath, and drank your leader’s blood, agreeing to the consequences of breaking this Blood Pact, which he made with the other leaders, of each Ramblers Clan!’ Rorik sneers, “It was years ago. I was seventeen when I agreed not to harm a Rambler and this is different. It is Sidonia’s fault!”
Rorik fumes, “My sister caused mum to be harmed, she should be cursed! Especially if she is unwilling to help me free mum!” She scoffs, ‘You broke the pact you made six years ago! As you row down the Rhein River, intent on capturing Sidonia, you believe no one will learn of it and that makes it acceptable! Beware, I know and my curse will happen if, you do not change your mind. Your mother will receive a mark and be cursed if you harm Sidonia.’
He insists, “But, Sidonia caused it!” Darciana is furious, ‘She was three when the vampire tricked her into letting him help her get a gift, the necklace Samala picked out. I will destroy Samala before you can ever find her. I will never allow you to save your mum by these means. You are better off following your own instincts. Do as you desire! Attempt to kill Kolo if you dare and do not harm your sister! Your palm will show you when and if you can be forgiven.’
Darciana’s breath is ragged, she pulls more energy from the wood chair, hurrying on, ‘For the sake of your soul, turn around. I hope you deny your mother’s dark desires! There is time to save yourself as well as your sister. Even though you agreed to Sidonia’s capture; your only chance at redemption is to refuse to harm her. The road to atonement will be longer than your grief.’ Groaning, Rorik determines she is truthful about being his kin to be in his mind.
He suspects it is Nera, yet this woman does not sound like his great aunt, this voice is deeper and ragged. He feels the connection is gone before he can think of what to ask or say. His mood is dark and gloomy, as he blames, “It is Sidonia’s and Mum’s fault.” He tears off a bit of his shirt, using it to bandage his hand. Rorik fumes, “I doubt I can catch up with the brat before dark, when my hand is hurting with every stroke, “That demon, Sidonia caused this!”
Rorik grumbles, “Maybe I can get the book from Sidonia, without cutting her. That might be enough to stop the vile Witch from cursing me. If she gives me the book willingly, it will not break the blood pact, I can avoid the Witch’s grim curse. I can use the book to get Mum. How do I get her to give me the book? She will never help me. Nifl, Sidonia deserves torture and death!” He screams in pain as his dark thoughts cause his hand to burn even more.
~*~
Devil’s Woods, Sun up, 677, 29th, October
As Sidonia rides behind Xiko, she suddenly hears Rorik’s scream, she gets a vision, seeing he is Hexed with the Black Palm. Saddened it was needed, Sidonia cringes seeing Darciana has kept her word to try to sway Rorik from his doomed path of harming her. Knowing her stubborn, bullheaded, half-brother, she does not dare put her faith in it working. In the past, he never sought to change. Rorik only blames others or her for his hardships that he causes, he likely will for this as well. She needs to watch for him to arrive and prepare to defend herself… even to death.
~*~
Once Darciana has rested, she draws on the power of the wood again. She is amused, ‘I figured out how to Hex them and it will not matter if I die, the hexes shall remain, as I used the Rambler’s Blood Pact to do it.’ The Rambler now places ‘the Hex of the Black Palm’ on Samala, as she whispers her spell,
‘She asked her son Rorik to harm one of us.
Her punishment shall be greater if he harms us.
I Hex Queen Samala Vlasac as a Rambler betrayer.
Let her feel the pain and guilt as the true betrayer.’
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‘Black as your dark soul now so is your palm.
Do as you planned and you cause your own harm.
I change the consequences of your Oath and Black Spot
hexing you with the Mark of the Beast and let it burn hot.’
‘I Hex you to be a beast to make you a Revenant,
For not being remorseful and penitent!’
Darciana’s sinister cackle mocks the Mad Queen, as her head whips around and her eyes hold her horror and pain. Samala twists in her straps, attempting to see the left palm of her hand, she is denied and even more frightened. The Rambler grins, since it is not a Death Hex and she used the energy of the wood, it is not harming herself. She informs Samala, “It will be worse if, your daughter dies. I also made sure Rorik gets what he deserves, for agreeing.”
The Rambler adds, “Rorik has the Hex of the Black Palm. I twisted it, as he has the ability to hide from the Ramblers who would insure his fate. I changed the Black Spot to be the Mark of the Beast! I warned you and you did it anyway, now you both will pay for it!”
~*~
Blackstone Castle, Secret Passageways, Sun up, 677, 29th, October
Viktor wakes, going for a swim. Afterwards, he goes up to the kitchen. Peeking in the spy hole, he sees it is very busy, he sits on the step in the hidden area and eavesdrops on what they are saying, hoping to hear whether Sidonia was found or if she got away safely. A maid complains, “There is a burnt smell in some rooms coming from the garden, what am I to do about it?” The Cook says, “It is Will’s area.” Viktor nearly falls asleep with boredom.
The Gardener comes in, and the Maid relays her story. Will replies, “What do you expect me to do about the dead body on the south gate? I was given a strict warning, never to go out of the garden gate or touch it. King Anthony said not to have contact with the outside of the gate, it will cause some nasty burning effect and even death. I will not risk that!” Martha, the Head Cook frowns, “Did you say dead body on the gate? How is an animal on it?”
One of the Cooks’ helpers cuts in, “That must be the nasty odor from the other night. I worried a spark from my fire had caught and was burning my rug. I determined it was outside and closed my window.” Martha re-asks the gardener, “Will, what sort of animal was it?” He shakes his head, “I doubt it is an animal. The form is man size and there are other dead bodies on the ground about it. When I mentioned it to Captain Tik, he told me to leave them.”
The Gardener says, “I refuse to take a better look to try to determine who they are; tis not worth risking my life for it! I guess I should have asked Captain Heg, he is more helpful, but I do not want to be involved.” Viktor rushes through the passages, going all the way up until he reaches the top of the stairs. He hesitates to open the door, not wanting to risk them seeing him. He also knows going out on the roof is breaking a promise he had made to his father.
The Prince sits down taking out his last piece of bread as he weighs desire against the possible punishment. He admits it is not what he fears. Viktor dreads seeing his father’s disappointment in him. The Prince imagines their conversation, ‘I went out because I wanted to see.’ Viktor shakes his head, ‘No.’ He rethinks it, ‘He told me of a threat, I needed to find out if it is Donatello. If it is him, I am certain all that he warned me of is true, and I am in a lot of danger.’
Nodding Viktor reasons, ‘I am not going out at night, for the Vampire Guards might see me. I will crawl out so not even the Day Guards will notice me.’ This is when it occurs to Viktor that he is frightened. Determined to be brave, he opens the door and crawls out. Kneeling, the Prince raises up enough to quietly close the door behind him. He turns, seeing the edge. Viktor feels a bit dizzy, used to the narrow passageways, this open high area feels dangerous.
The Prince leans against the door until he becomes used to his new surroundings of being outside in the bright light. Viktor takes a few deep breaths, realizing he has missed the fresh air and open spaces. His fear leaves as he belly crawls out to the edge of the roof. It has its own rampart made of rock, alternating from higher to protect guards from arrows, to lower allowing them to shoot their enemy. Eleven-year-old Viktor does not dare lean against it.
He decides, ‘Father warned me of coming up here, because I was too young to know the dangers and consequences. I am older now, so I can be up here, as long as I think through what might happen and decide how to avoid it. I fear the wall will topple over with me. If I go off the edge, it is a long way down and I will likely die.’ Viktor gets a wicked grin as an idea comes. He sits and pushes against the rock wall with his feet to test it.
When it does not move, he stands carefully looking over a lower part. He sees the river is different from up here, unaware that the Rhein River is that wide. He realizes he needs to come nearer to the edge in order to look down on that side of the garden. Cautiously, the Prince leans over the edge, seeing the Garden Gate. To his horror he sees the body, recognizing Donatello’s long wheat blond hair tied back hanging against the rails of the gate.
Tears stream down his cheeks. He collapses to lay down and cries, feeling his friend’s death and how much danger he is in. Viktor sits up, using his hands to back away towards the door. Angry, he huffs, “I wish I never came up here!” He bumps into something very large. Startled, Viktor looks up at what is looming over him, Viktor’s feelings of being vulnerable cause him to scream.
~*~
Kolo’s Craftroom, Morning, 677, 29th, October
Darciana smirks at the Mad Queen, “It is sweet justice for you to share your son’s dark fate as well as the consequences, since you convinced him to do it.” The Rambler almost regrets taking the Mad Queen’s voice, as Darciana does not get to hear Samala’s screams. She only knows the anguish of the betraying Queen’s mind.
The Rambler adds, “For you earned it and more.” Darciana’s strength leaves and her head goes back against the chair.
The wood groans with weakness and the Rambler softly laughs. Realizing she has damaged it, more than she considered was possible. It gives her hope it will assist her in escaping one day. Again, she draws on the wood, so she can sleep rather than die, which will risk giving Samala back her voice, and the ability to tell Kolo where Sidonia is. Blackness comes giving Darciana relief.
~*~
Viktor slaps a hand over his mouth, as he sees he had only bumped into one of the massive stone Gargoyles on the rooftop. While they are at least three times larger than any man, he is disappointed that he had forgotten all caution and screamed. The Prince almost runs away. After a moment, he chuckles at himself for his childish reaction and lays under the Gargoyle; he imagines it is his familiar, recalling one of Sidonia stories she had written for him.
It was of a male witch who had a giant tiger for his familiar. Prince Viktor sighs, “I name you Donatello. It is an honorable name, as it was our guard’s name.” Viktor feels less alone by talking to it, and it helps with his grief, “I am certain, he died trying to save us.”
~*~
Kolo’s den, Morning, 677, 29th, October
Kolo sneers, “I often wonder if the High Lord is not as powerful as others claim; he should have killed Blackwell.” Lola taunts, “He is just better at holding his temper.” Kolo nods, “Anyway, Blackwell argued, ‘I am justified in assuming the books hold more than just three dangerous spells and some are likely to be worse.’ Imagine.” Lola gasps, “Instead of one spell, there were three spells they burned; and you agree that there are more?”
He nods, “The Old Ones told Blackwell they have no other spells, and ignored him. Blackwell’s humiliation caused his rage with Cinder to be worse. Rumor is she hurt him. Blackwell claims he grew tired and left her. Yet, ever since he stays covered by a hooded cloak. I prefer thinking Cinder intentionally harmed him and threw him out. Still, most of them shun Cinder now, fearing she lacks control of her power.” Lola fumes, “Well, that angers me.”
Kolo agrees, “The punishment of the three who did a spell to gain powers and Cinder being shunned is what causes me to never want to reveal my fire and ability to change forms.” Lola smirks, “Because Nepathi did a spell on you so you gained your powers too early.” Kolo smiles, “Yes, that idea and the spell stuck in my mind.” Lola grins, “I would remember too. So, when you wanted to help me, you realized Anthony’s book could have what I need?”
He nods but he desired it for himself, “It may have useful spells. I once heard a rumor of another power Anthony has.” Lola leans in as her brother says, “I was told the Blood Warriors learned how to pull souls from the Demons’ bodies. How did they do it?” Lola nods, the Evil one grins, “If not by using a spell? It was not one of the three power spells that they burned.” They both groan as sunlight creeps in the window. Kolo closes the blind, as Lola gasps, “You have the bleeds, and should rest for the day. Can I sleep in you?” Kolo says, “Yes. We might both heal faster if you do.” After downing a blood drink, they go to his room, and Kolo says, “What I miss most about Sidonia is our discussions of books.”
Laying down he sighs, “She used to describe the rare ones she saw, giving me all the interesting details. She also told me of the many books she has read. I see now my impatience to get her to find his book kept me from appreciating her conversations and her. I will never get that back.” Lola says nothing, feeling he intends to break their deal of her getting Sidonia’s body. She worries about his comment of everyone looking for the Princess; it is a big risk.
Yet Lola believes she can find a glamor spell to change Sidonia’s image, and no one will guess she is using her magical body. She then wonders if the power to change her image is in her own blood too, if it is in Kolo’s. Does it mean he got it from their father? Lola grins, maybe being a Strix is not so bad, if she could change her image often and to anyone she has drank from. In bed, Kolo comes near death, barely breathing he goes into a deep sleep.
~*~
Pitsville Witch’s Shack, Morning, 677, 29th, October
Jacque is still simmering over her missing crystal, certain that Rorik took it, leaving his drained one. She recalls finding it in his pocket when she stole his coin bag. As she sets up to finish her Spirit Jars, her cat follows her to the forge, where she feeds the fire to get it hot enough to melt the lead. She says, “Me gots ta come up with a real wicked idea for me Precious Prince. No need ta rush me revenge this time.” She lines up the jars and begins dipping them.
As she twirls the jar in the lead, she is careful to bring them out quickly before the heat cracks the glass. She sits musing to her cat, “If me had hurried me revenge, me might have only given Rorik somethin’ easy like making his hair fall out… if he gives it back.” Her cat yowls in agreement, as Jacque fumes, “Twill costs more than me gots ta replace me Crystal.” She growls, “Gots no way ta open me door ta get ta the prince, sell me stuff, nor buy a cheap crystal.”
The Hexing Hag has a wicked grin, “Yip, me bets te arrogant Rambler is just te sort ta attract trouble.” The cat meows and licks its paw. Jacque cackles, “So while he assumes he will never see me again, he will need me help one day. Yip, he be stupid enough ta come back ta me! Hopin’ even if me noticed it were not mine, me would not dare accuse royalty, if he were even that. Bet he never earned a thin’ in his life. Well now, he has earned me anger!”
Clenching her jaw, “Me sees why the biddy Maleva sent him to me. Maleva wanted me ta sort him for her; the dirty do-gooder cannot stomach doin’ it herself. Maleva’s old lady act does not fool me. She only seems innocent. Wat a rotten-ass clever old cold witch from Nifl she is.” Her cat nods, agreeing with her. She states, “Me has ta come up with a plan, do not want ta use me wand. Tis likely ta burn it up openin’ me Dark Door. It will be me last resort.” She fumes, “Or me has ta buy me a new wand and a new crystal.”
~*~
Blackstone Castle, Rooftop, Noon, 677, 29th, October
Viktor wakes with a startled jerk, as he senses he is not alone. Seeing he is under the Gargoyle he lightly groans not intending to be so unguarded when he falls asleep, nor do it while on the roof. He recalls why he is up here and his sadness for Donatello returns. He starts to cry again, also afraid for himself. Wiping away his tears, Viktor is more determined to be brave, as he groans, “What do I do now Donatello?” Once he asked, it was as if he knew.
Prince Viktor states, “Father trained me how to protect myself and avoid danger.” He stays, it feels comforting, like he is less alone. Again, he senses someone is there and sits up looking around. Viktor now sees a light blue mist forming in the shadow of the Gargoyle. Viktor gets up, ready to run away in fear. It stops him, by moving in front of him and the mist starts to take shape. Viktor is stunned, thinking he recognizes its slight image.
It then fades back into a misty form. In disbelief Viktor questions, “Donatello, is that you?” The misty head nods. Viktor weeps, “Oh no, I am right, you are dead!”
~WBM~