WBM
Chapter Five
Ramblers' Blood Curse
~SV~
Warlock Camp, Witch-Fights, Nearing 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
Crimson is a bit smaller than Rorik, however his look and demeanor are more of what the Prince expected of a killer. Even though Rorik killed Kolo’s man, he is not usually aggressive, and so he does not feel he is a visual intimidation to the Goth. Rorik does not feel as vicious as this man appears, yet the amount of drink he had keeps him from caring and gives him confidence. Using magic, the Ringmaster brings his platform ringside.
He calls to the two fighters, Rorik stands there, but he is distracted by the crowd of strange looking Witches. The Ringmaster says, “A reminder, as I am aware that other Cauldrons and Witches have different fight rules.” The crowd boos. He continues, “This first fight, is a no Magic, no weapon, no Shade, and no help, match. It is just a bare-knuckle fist fight. Good Luck to you both.”
The Ringmaster brings the protection dome over them and whistles for them to start the fight. The Goth fighter comes running, yet Rorik did not realize the fight had even started. As Crimson punches him hard in the face, without Rorik blocking it, this is the Prince’s first clue that he might be too intoxicated to be fighting.
~*~
Kolo’s Craftroom, Nearing 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
The Egyptian sighs with some relief, as Kolo is still there, laying against the stone floor of the Throne Room. She glares at the unmoving form, wishing him ill. The Mad Queen hisses a bit louder, “What do you see?” Nepathi is about to tell them it was nothing, as she wants to believe it is something else that they all heard. She is ready to return to breaking her leg, and attempting to get free.
As her shoulders come down to relax, she suddenly tenses as she sees. Now certain, she moves back behind the pillar and leans on it for support. This is worse than cutting her leg, as the Egyptian’s limbs shake with terror. Getting her voice to work, Nepathi whispers to them, “Oh, Dark. I made a huge mistake; it will get us all killed!”
~*~
Half Moon Bay, Dark Nearing 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
Sleeping in the Ferry, Sidonia is having a dream-vision of the Lake Bled Ramblers Clan, these events happened yesterday afternoon on the 28th.
Grigori ends with a warning to Kristopher, “If you fail to obey these rules, next time I see you, the mark will burn becoming a branded B on you, and all, even humans will see it. The clans will know you cannot be trusted. They will not let you in their camp.” Stunned, Kristopher had not believed Grigori would ban him from the clan, only now seeing how important it is to him. It is unthinkable that Grigori would threaten to kick him out of his clan.
Even more astounding that he would banish him from all Rambler Camps, simply because he wants to be with Lady Leticia. It hurts to see his leader turn his back on him. Grigori still tries to think of something else to say, taking a few steps, he stops as an idea gives him hope. He intends to remind Krist of Mercia, as he seeks wise words about the failed relationship, to help Krist come to his senses.
Grigori then changes his mind, knowing it will stir up Krist’s anger, and fears he will blame Mercia and Wirf for his banishment; rather than see his own faults. The Lake Bled Clan’s leader is saddened at Krist’s refusal to change, it has affected the clan the last few years. He has to protect the clan. It is too late to help Krist, he is banished. Grigori sighs, as now he must go tell the Lady Leticia.
~*~
Eastern Black Forest, Country Inn, Nearing 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
Grekan wakes from a nightmare of Kolo taking Sidonia. The Clerk thinks, ‘Why did I help the Princess seek the book?’ Grabbing Sidonia’s key, he falls asleep, but has forgotten the key is magical. The key answers his question, in a dream of his trip to Skull Island, when she looked for the book. Sidonia, Andre, Patch and Grekan enter the Poison Potion Pub, on Witch Island, in the Mystical Realm; while Tik walks up the hill. After Reba stomps out, Sidonia says to Poppy, “I regret this confrontation with Reba has happened here.”
Poppy smiles, “I had planned to give her another and her final warning, until she threw the bowl at you.” Poppy comes grabbing it from the air, as she adds, “I insist on giving you a slice of pie on the house.” Sidonia smiles, “It is very kind of you.” Grekan says to Sidonia, “I will get our pie and drinks; you can relax.” As Grekan brings a tray to where she sits at an outside table, he sees the Dark Princess has a grim look. Grekan assumes it is about Reba.
Until Sidonia says, “Tik is making us go across to Skull Island at a more dangerous time. I wish I refused to let him join us.”
Grekan offers, “Since we have to wait, at least we can enjoy their famous pie and beverages.” He snickers, as the Oracle says, “It would serve Tik right if we left. The nerve of him going to a brothel, when the delay is putting us in danger. I rather he be lost, trying to find us, than have the sun go down, before we get there.”
She drinks before adding, “But I sense it is not worth us all enduring Tik’s anger for leaving him behind.” Grekan gasps, “Tik told you, he is going to a brothel?” Sidonia states, “The annoying part is that he assumes it will impress me, but I do not want to hear of his desires, I think it is gross.” Her father’s scribe is confused, “Why should that impress you?” Sidonia scoffs, “He assumes it shows how manly he is.” Grekan asks, “Those were his thoughts?”
The dark girl replies, “Not in words, just his tone, and a sense I got of what he was thinking, and his icky grin. It is all just so very… ewww.” Grekan laughs, “I am often curious of why some have no logic in what they think attracts ladies.” She scoffs, “I will never want Tik to make an effort to impress me, in that way. He has none of the values I look for.” She smirks, “If you are so wise, why not speak to women?” Grekan admits, “I am impossibly shy.”
He adds, “The idea of approaching anyone causes me to want to run to my room. Perhaps it is because I have noticed it is not always about what you say. It seems some females are only interested in how a man looks or their claims of heroic deeds, status, and wealth. Since I lack all of those, it keeps me from being confident enough to try.” Nodding, Sidonia sighs. Grekan says, “In fact, I have had too many dismiss me with one glance.”
They finish the pie and drinks as the Blackstone Castle’s Human Guards, Andre, and Patch come out of the pub. The Guards stop at their table, holding mugs of ale. Andre asks, “Any sight of Captain Tik yet?” Patch frowns as Sidonia shakes her head, “It is sunset. I told him I did not want to do the crossing in the dark.” Patch tells her, “He told me he did not want to cross in the sun.”
~*~
Blackstone Castle, Nearing 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
Since it is dark when the Prince awakes, Viktor believes Donatello will be on duty. Lonely and curious of what else he has learned, the Lord of Blackstone Castle goes to each of the spyholes, throughout the private passageways in the Castle, hoping, “I might see Donatello, if he is on his blood break.’ When Viktor fails to find him inside, the Prince is disappointed and guesses, ‘Donatello must be outside on patrol of the grounds or on the Fortress Wall.’
Tempted to go outside or to the guards’ bunkhouse, he knows it is too risky, if the guards remain compelled by Kolo. The eleven-year-old Prince gives up looking for Donatello for a while. He groans at his nearly constant hunger, it causes him to need to go into the kitchen again, having eaten all his supplies. He hopes it will be less busy, as he walks in the dark passageways toward the kitchen.
~*~
The three captives hear Kolo groan again, in the Throne Room. Regrettably, the sound has just confirmed their worst fears, and the Egyptian’s comments. Nepathi still leans against the pillar of one of the arches in the Craftroom, as the other two Witches Darciana, and Samala remain bound in their chairs at the table. They do not have the Egyptian’s ability to see Kolo. They stare at her with terror and dread at what they assume Nepathi just saw.
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They feel doomed, waiting for her to explain. The Egyptian’s body trembles, as she admits in a fearful whisper, “Oh, Nifl. I nearly cut my foot off for nothing. I should have grabbed him when he looked faint. I could have removed his putrid head.” Darciana admits, “I was planning to eat his heart for good measure.” Queen Samala cringes, at the idea of eating any of Kolo, or anyone else for that matter. Darciana fears the worst as Nepathi rushes to her chair.
The Egyptian seethes a whisper that fills them with horror, “He is already alive and moving! It is too late. I have made a grave mistake… and I am certain I shall pay dearly, for it!”
~*~
Rorik manages to move before the Goth can hit him again. Crimson circles glaring. Rorik lands a punch to the Goth’s nose causing it to bleed. Crimson realizes he failed to notice that Rorik’s reach is longer. Prince Rorik lands two more hits to the Goth’s gut. Rorik comes swiftly with a third punch to the chin. It causes Crimson to stumble backwards. Yet, the Goth keeps on his feet and away from Rorik, until he clears his head and vision.
Furious, Crimson charges, keeping his head down, he brings rapid, repeated double punches to the prince’s gut. Rorik drops to his knees; a yellow mist comes over his body and the fog forms the shape of a snarling wolf. This startles the Goth, as Crimson huffs, “You are cheating.” He backs up, realizing that the Prince might not be doing it intentionally; the crowd roars with excitement. The Ringmaster shouts, “No Magic is allowed, and no second warning!”
Rorik has hair beginning to grow, and then his claws come, followed by long sharp teeth. Groaning, the Prince gets up; he steps back in shock as he sees his yellow mist wolf around him, snarling. Rorik needs control, and runs for his charm that is on top of his robe; his wolf forces him back down on all fours. The Prince does not feel he can stop the transition. The Goth sees the Rambler Amulet, and he understands that Rorik had removed it for the fight.
Crimson says, “Not wise Rambler.” Rorik finally looks up; gasping at the Lunar Phase and Event, which is now visible above him. Too late, Prince Rorik Tricker recalls his Great Aunt Nera’s warning, “I sense a shadow on your tomb. Beware of the Wolf Blood Moon!” It was Nera’s way of telling him that his death may come, during the Wolf Blood Moon, and it will not be good nor natural. Rorik groans, at his bad luck. The Fightmaster yells, “No shapeshifting, is allowed! This is your final warning.”
~*~
The Egyptian wants to hide by the pillar, so she can attack Kolo when he nears; yet feels too weak from blood loss. Nepathi grabs the knife, lifting her chain, she rushes to the Rambler. The Egyptian whispers, “Sorry.” She re-stabs Darciana’s hand with the knife, so it will be where Kolo left it. Nepathi nearly faints before she can sit, feeling defeated; she already regrets not trying to attack him. They hear Kolo’s groans as he gets up, the tension is terrifying.
The Evil One stumbles slowly into their view, leaning on the pillar. Horrified, the Witches wait. Kolo finally speaks, “What the Nifl happened?” They shrug, he adds, “I do not feel well.” Faking interest, Darciana manages a bored tone, “You are more dead than alive, since hitting King Anthony Vlasac’s barrier at Blackstone Castle. You should slumber in your dirt for a few days, it will speed your recovery, and is the quickest way to get your strength back.”
Nepathi is too nervous to speak; Samala is thinking of Darciana’s comments of cursing Grave Dirt; as she casually, says, “Yes, you really do look, mostly dead.” Kolo comes staggering toward the table, taking his ‘flagon with a dragon’, before going to the cabinet to pour himself some blood. His back is to them, as Kolo sees the remaining debris, of plants and dirt in the bottom of his cup.
~*~
Grekan continues his dream of going to Skull Island.
Princess Sidonia says, “I asked Tik to wait until we were on our way back, to go to the brothel, and I even suggested he just fly back here after we are safe at the Castle.” Patch smirks, “I was hoping he would burn in the sun on our way here, but hiding under the tarp worked.” Andre snickers. Grekan mocks, “Why did he insist upon coming?” Patch shrugs, “I have no idea.” Andre glances towards Princess Sidonia, he feels that she is why Tik came.
Though, Andre is not foolish enough to voice his opinion. Grekan notices his look and suspects it is Tik’s desire for Sidonia as well. Sidonia says, “He managed under the tarp on our ferry crossing from the mainland. No reason he could not continue it to the island, since he insisted on coming with us.” Sidonia apologizes to Grekan, “I am sorry I dragged you into coming along, and was unwilling to wait for Father to bring us. It would be safer in the daylight.”
The dark girl adds, “I have a bad feeling. It has me thinking this is going to be a very unpleasant night crossing; worse a dangerous walk to the Castle.” Grekan gasps, “Why?” She sighs, “The water is rougher, and going to Skull Island’s Mountain Fortress, is more difficult in the dark.” Tik now comes into sight, walking down the hill path, with a scowl. Andre scoffs, “I heard and warned him that they do not service Vampires at that brothel.”
Patch snickers. Sidonia says, “Oh, dear. His aura shows he is in a dark mood. I am not waiting to hear about it.” She stands rushing down the path that leads to the Witch Island Pier, rather than have Tik join them. Grekan runs to catch up with her, while Andre and Patch easily walk along with her faster pace. Captain Tik is at first annoyed that they did not wait, then relieved to not have them ask how it went; saving him from needing to lie or being humiliated.
Even with the thick trees shading him, he got burnt, and it had been a long walk, up hill, for nothing. Captain Tik had even got lost twice, trying to find it. He curses the narrow path with its hanging branches that had kept him from flying there and back. It takes too much power, after being up all day, for him to be mist or blur there. Tik rushes through the fading light onto the boat. Grekan sees he has the bleeds; Tik notices the Clerk looking and glares.
Captain Tik gets under the tarp. Andre pays for a boat, as Patch gets in helping Sidonia and Grekan into the boat. Andre unties the boat, getting aboard they position their oars, and start rowing. Grekan looks at where they are going, whispering, “The mist that covers Skull Island makes it all very eerie! The only hint that something is there is that east mountain showing above the clouds; is it always covered like this?” She nods, “That is Shadow Mountain.”
She adds, “You can see it if there is a strong breeze. I am worried we might have one, those dark clouds in the north are coming this way.” When Anthony asked Grekan to accompany Sidonia, it sounded like a grand adventure. Now he fears it was fool hardy to have agreed. His first look at the island from the ferry, was of the large skull shaped mountain’s face, peering out. This side is not much better. He had tried to ask to stay on Witch Island.
But the Clerk could not come up with a reason for not helping the Princess; now it is too late. He groans, “I wish the ferry would have dropped us right at Skull Island.” She agrees, “As far as I know the Ferry has never gone there, as it is forbidden.” Grekan thinks the clouds are causing the island to feel too foreboding, for him to be excited about the crossing and he has never been comfortable over water. Even Sidonia seems off, which is unusual.
~*~
Kristopher glares at Grigori, as he stands there with his back to him. He expects his former leader has more to say, and does not want to hear it. Krist’s rage builds, ‘I am always blamed and excluded from status in the clan. It is why I seek forbidden pleasures, to feel better, and now Grigori wishes to take her from me too? He will tell Leticia, what if she sides with Grigori?” This fear causes Kristopher’s rash action of rushing up the stairs.
Hearing, Grigori starts to turn, Krist pulls his dagger unleashing his anger. Krist does not care that it is cowardly, as he violently stabs the Ramblers’ Leader, Grigori, in the back. Seeing the blood, stuns Krist as he gasps, “What have I done?” The burn hits, he cries in horror, “I forgot! Too late; it is causing the curse!” It radiates pain from his heart as he lets his leader fall backwards with his dagger, down the stone stairs. Krist manages to stumble away.
Krist is going toward the woods, to hide so others do not know, but the curse is coming quickly. Hurriedly, he removes his clothing, before the shift destroys them. Naked he runs to hide them. A yellow glow comes over him in the shape of a wolf. His hands change, dropping his clothes, as his feet changes it forces him down. On his knees Krist attempts to fight it; locked in the curse he crouches as brown fur covers him.
With a scream, his ears, eyes, and teeth all change. Crying out as his bones crack and shift, he finishes the transformation. A Wolf now, Kristopher no longer tries to hide his clothing. He is unconcerned what the clan thinks of him. Kristopher no longer cares if they learn he killed Grigori, triggering his ‘Ramblers’ Blood Curse’. His hate, has him seeking vengeance, against the clan. Running, Krist’s wolf hopes they track him, into his trap.
~*~
Grekan wonders what has Sidonia on edge, as she has said that she does not want to make the crossing and walk to the castle in the dark. Yet he has never known her to fear the dark. He worries what she is not telling him. A breeze comes, slowly a dark feature appears to their right on the island, he points asking with hope, “Look a structure, to the east, above the clouds. Is it your father’s castle?” Sighing, she grimly says, “I wish. No, it is to the west.”
Sidonia adds, “That is the Mighty Fall.” Her tone gives him a shiver of dread. He asks, “Please tell me of it.” The Princess looks as if she is ready to decline, and later Grekan wished that she had. The Princess sees Grekan is seeking a distraction, she tells him, “Three thousand years ago, the Giant’s tried to take over the Banned continent. They nearly succeeded and most assumed they would have if they had not attacked the Blood Masters.” Grekan groans.
~*~
The crowd in the Warlock Camp are going wild, as they watch the Witch-Fights none have witnessed anyone shift before. The Goth crowd yells hate chants; the Necromancers and Warlocks love the idea of seeing a death by wolf. Rorik scoots back away from the Goth, on his hands and knees. Still, the Prince’s eyes, teeth, and growl matches his snarling mist wolf, as the wolf wants Crimson’s blood. The Goth yells to the Ringmaster, “He is losing control.”
Crimson says, “I need my magic to help stop his shift, or we might all be in danger.” The stunned Ringmaster nods, “I will allow it. Go ahead, and good luck.” The Goth sends his mist grabbing the charm. Crimson throws the amulet to Rorik. The Prince wants it, but his hands fail to grab it in time, as he finishes his shift. The Wolf refuses to be restrained. Crimson sees, as the wolf comes for him.
For Ramblers October is known as the Wolf Moon; it has more sway over wolves. Also, there is an unusual occurrence of it being a Blood Moon, all three days. Had he drunk less, he might have remembered it was a full moon and not fought. But Prince Rorik Tricker is not wise, nor did he recall his Great Aunt Nera’s warning, in time, to be wary of the coming ‘Wolf Blood Moon!’
~WBM~