Chapter Three

Deadly Sendings

~N~

Samala’s old cottage, Night of 673, 25th, October.

Sidonia ran for the door and opening the latch quietly, she hoped he forgot she had come. She stepped out, and closed it. Her hand shook as she put the key in the lock. Sidonia wanted to leave no clue that she had been here tonight. The dark princess counted on him passing out and when he woke, he should believe he only dreamt of Samala.

Then her feet would not move as she again realized this was her mother’s porch, where Kolo claimed he had proposed to Samala. She had heard of the cottage as a child, yet never suspected it was so close, nor still standing. Then a vision filled her mind, of Kolo asking her mother to marry him, and she saw six year old Rorik was listening at the window.

She came out of the vision, and gagged nearly choking. Then in disbelief and fear, she heard a woman’s voice from inside, “Kolo, grow up!” ‘Is this the Witch I suspected was there? May be it is mother.’ The angry female demanded, “Kolo get off the damn floor, or I will kick you.” Sidonia dared to look in through the window hoping to see Samala.

As she strained to listen, Sidonia could not remember the tone of her mother’s voice. Seeing only Kolo, as he struggled to get up, she then knew it was not her mother’s voice, as the unseen female hissed, “Brother, either you get up and pretend to be a man, or I will entombed you with your naughty play things, while I have some fun without you.”

Sidonia saw him get to his feet and she rushed down the steps off the porch, fearing noise at each footstep. Behind her, the princess heard Kolo’s response, “Please Lola take pity on me.” She hurried down the path, as she heard Lola mock him, “When have you ever shown anyone pity?” Nearing his gate, she dared not have his rusty hinges squeak.

Princess Sidonia lifted her skirt and cape as she came nearer and she managed to jump over the latched gate. Once her feet hit the ground, she sprinted down the road, glancing backwards as she fled. No one was following her, yet. She did not dare slow for Grekan; fortunately he saw her coming and dashed from his hiding place to run with her.

Huffing Grekan ask, “Where is your bag? Did you give him the book?” Sidonia only gasped, “No.” Grekan looked behind them and nearly fell; she grabbed him giving him balance as they continued faster. Seeing no one following he asked, “Why are we running?” Sidonia hissed, “He is a liar. He has power. He threw blue flames. He is in love with Samala.”

Grekan gasped, “You learned all of that, and he let you leave?” Sidonia choked out, “He is delirious on drugs, and believed Anthony was his father. His sister showed up, she is a Witch. We are not safe.” Grekan was speechless for the first time in his life. She added, “It means he killed Rorik’s father and kidnapped my mother.” Grekan gasped, “Oh, no!”

Sidonia stated, “I think… Ko- he is the January Man!” Realizing they were not going back the way they came, Grekan gasped, “The bookshop?” Sidonia huffed, “No need. I shall never be doing this again.” Grekan asked, “What is a January Man?” Sidonia stated, “One January Samala had a vision of a man who killed a woman.” Grekan frowned.

The dark princess added, “Each January she had a new vision of another woman’s murder, all in different ways. Still, they were eerily similar, yet his looks changed each time. It reminded Samala of Janis the two faced god, so she named him the January Man. She was obsessed with catching him, until Samala saw her own capture, torture, and death.”

Finally, they were within sight of the front gate of the Blackstone Castle and fortress compound. The guard Donatello called to them, “Is there something wrong?” Grekan yelled back, “Wild dog!” Donatello jumped down from the wall, and blurred towards them, looking about for witnesses and the dog. As he followed them Donatello said, “I do not see any dog.” Grekan gasped, “We must have lost it, or it turned back.”

Donatello saw how terrified Princess Sidonia looked; taking her arm, he helped her run. He looked down as a lock of her hair wrapped itself about his arm. Grekan gasped to the guards as the opened the gate, “Truly it was foaming at the mouth and barking mad.” As they passed through Tik snidely said, “No wonder you have to run, when you insist on going alone and after dark to a useless bookshop.”

Grekan mocked between gasps, “I was with her.” Tik taunted back, “A lot of good you did her, what if she is attacked?” Grekan glared as Tik sneered, “Do you even own a weapon?” Proudly Grekan retorted, “Does a letter opener count?” Tik scoffed, “It depends if you have it on you. Let us see it.” Grekan’s sneer slid off his face as he realized how right Tik was.

Sidonia sighed feeling safe, as there was a wall all around the grounds and a mystical barrier over it, she looked up, and even the large stone gargoyles seemed welcoming. She now relaxed a little and it was the first time she felt glad to be in a fortress compound. The impressive stone castle had four floors above ground and another four below. It also looked forbidding and impenetrable, the princess exhaled with a sense of relief.

The guards closed the gates and Donatello released his hold on Sidonia. Hearing the gate lock behind her, Princess Sidonia turned and thanked them. Then she said to Donatello, “I appreciate your assistance.” Tik came closer and the princess lied convincingly as she told Captain Tik, “The sun gives me a headache so I have no choice, I must wait until dark.” Now the captain and the other vampire guards all nodded.

Tik said with approval, “Of course you are a Bloodchild after all.” Yet he snidely added, “Next time take one of us, Princess.” Sidonia smiled coldly, “Yes, next time.” Grekan whispered as he walked her towards the castle, “Do you suffer with the symptoms of a Dhampir?” Sidonia shook her head, “No. I am not sure I ever will, for my Oracle half is strongest.”

Grekan sighed, “You seem saddened by that, instead of glad.” She replied, “I should think it more unusual for the young to welcome death, rather than be comforted by the promise of a second life.”

~N~

Lola swirled around Kolo demanding, “Well, what are you going to do?” Kolo held his head in his hands and groaned, “I cannot think right now. I am inclined to disbelieve that Sidonia was here.” She hissed, “What possible reason could I have to lie?” Kolo huffed, “You admit that you left, how do I know that you came back during her visit? Why does my head hurt so?” Lola warned, “You died earlier, that is why I left.”

Kolo scoffed, “I did not partake of that much.” Lola huffed, “I swear you were dead and it angered me into leaving. You need to be more careful.” Kolo seethed, “You are making me wish for death, with all your nagging. So leave if you cannot be quiet.” Lola threatened, “If I go, I might not be back.” He went to his room slamming the door, and as he dropped on his bed he retorted, “Good.” She screamed, “I heard that!”

~N~

Sidonia went to Viktor’s room and found he was still awake playing with his wooden soldiers. He looked up and dropped them rushing to give her a hug, “Will you read the story to me?” She brought it from behind her back, making him laugh, “Do you think I will look like the prince when I am older?” She nodded and he smiled, as she tucked him in. Sitting by him, Sidonia began to read, from where they had left off.

“Then the prince fell in love with a beautiful and sad woman, for her husband had abandoned her.” Viktor pointed at the page with the picture, and said, “She is very pretty.” Sidonia smiled, “His father the king warned him, that it was dangerous to love her, for her ex-husband was a jealous man.” Viktor yawned, “Why does he care if he left her?”

Sidonia read on, “She had a dangerous power and had accidently harmed her husband. Though he still desired her, he feared his wife too much to stay. The prince tried to resist her; then found he did not want to. When the husband found out about their love, he vowed vengeance on the prince, furious that he could withstand her power.” Viktor clapped.

“Shortly after, the husband learned how to break into the prison releasing the Fallen Angel and the evil Witch. They started a new war and when the evil Witch saw the old king, she was pleased, ready to send her beasts after him. She was astonished to see a younger version of the old king and realized this must be his son.” Viktor moved closer to her, and she noticed Viktor’s curls were moving, reminding her of Kolo’s hair.

“The Witch gathered her monsters and pointed to the prince saying, ‘Bring him to me, alive!’ The prince fought valiantly killing many, before the monsters over powered him. As they drug the struggling prince towards the portal that led to her kingdom, the king looked to find his son. He caught sight of him and yelled as he ran to help his son.”

“Just then a monster knocked the prince out no longer able to resist, the monsters out ran the king. Regrettably, he did not make it before the portal closed and now the king had no way to open it. The evil Witch now cursed the prince, making him into the most frightening of all her creations.” She turned the page, Viktor’s drooping eyes popped open, as he gasped, “Whoa, how did you make the monster that scary?”

Sidonia shrugged, “It is what I remember from a dream. You look tired I can read the rest tomorrow.” Viktor pled, “Read some more now.” Sidonia sighed, “Previously when the Witch created her monsters, she left most of their Human form as it was. She would give them fur for skin and cross the instincts of the animal with them.” Viktor gasped with awe.

“The witch gave her monsters the sight, hearing, venom, claws, healing, and strength of beasts. This time she decided on something far more terrifying. Instead of picking one animal, the Witch mixed the prince with three of the most evil monsters she had in her realm.” Viktor grinned, “Amazing, if you have to be cursed it is better to be the wickedest!”

Sidonia agreed, “From a Wraith, he received the power of spreading darkness as purple mist in the form of flames came out of his eyes and body. He could tear at souls, and his voice commanded others while bringing terror to their minds. His body had the scales of a Dragon; also its tail, legs, wings, as well as breathing purple fire. Last she gave him the head with sense, teeth, and venom of a Dark Demon Dog.”

Viktor frowned, “Did you mean a Hell Hound?” Sidonia shook her head, “No, while Hell Hounds are very vicious, the Dark Realm’s Hounds have better eyesight, venom, spikes, and fear nothing.” Viktor’s eyes went wide with excitement, as he gasped, “How come I never heard of Dark Demon Dogs? I wonder if Rorik has heard of them, I bet not.”

Sidonia smiled, “They are less known because only two went in-.” Viktor cut in, “The prince and who else?” Sidonia smiled, “You are getting ahead of this story.” Viktor laughed, “Sorry.” She read on, “Only three were known to ever escape the Dark Realm.” Viktor frowned, “How can you have a war if only three come out?” Sidonia said, “Thhat is another story and it might spoil itif I tell you.” Viktor laughed, “Fine.” She ruffled his hair.

Then Sidonia continued, “The king mourned the loss of his son as the pain was the worst he had ever felt. He looked high and low for a way to rescue the prince, and found no way into the Dark Realm. When he went to the Angels who had forced him to fight the Demons of the Dark Realm, they chose not to believe him.” Viktor huffed, “Why?”

“They stated, ‘It is not possible for Demons to pull the prince into the Dark Realm, it was spelled to only hold Demons, and now they were marked so they could not ever leave again. We never enter there, and no one is allowed out.’ The king left in anger.” Viktor gasped, “That is not fair.” Sidonia nodded, “As with much in our lives, we must learn how to live with injustice or fight it.” Viktor nodded, yet wished it were easier.

She read on, “The king vowed to get his son back, yet as he sought the help of Oracles, and Wise men, none could see into the Dark Realm, for their magic only worked in the realm they were from and were in. He went to the half demon bloodchild of the Demon L Darkstones. She saw more than the others had, confirming who broke them out. Yet, she was unable to tell him if his son still lived nor how to enter the Dark Realm.”

“Even though she was of their blood, she had never lived in the Dark Realm, so she was unable to see into it. He thanked the half Demon Witch, and took his revenge on the one who caused it. Unsure whom else to ask, the king feared he would never rescue his son, and sank into a deep sadness. Then the Angel whose life the king had saved causing the Witch to curse him; heard he had lost his son and came to him, offering help.”

“He said, ‘I hear that your son is trapped in the Dark Realm, I know of one Dark Realm Gateway, which I can open.’ The king gasped, ‘Tell me and I will go after him.’ The Angel shook his head, ‘It is in the Heaven Realm, and you will not be allowed to enter it, let alone use their gateway. I vow to do this and repay my life debt to you.’ The king accepted his offer, since he had no other way to find his son.”

Sidonia saw Viktor’s eyes close. She quietly put the book down and left, thinking maybe she too could sleep now. Stopping in her father’s private den, she drank some of his strong drink, and then went to bed.

~N~

As Lola entered Samala’s cottage, Kolo yelled at her, “It is nearly dawn and you have left me alone, not knowing if you would come back!” His twin sister gave a slight sneer, “How welcomed and appreciated you make me feel. I nearly went to our home, hoping you were there instead of this dreary place.” He replied, “I am too weak to leave yet.”

Lola sighed, “When then?” Kolo shrugged and she saw the crumpled papers and the ink on his fingers. Picking up one she smoothed it out and read it, smirking, “Could you be more pathetic. Clearly you think it was all a pipe dream, rather than writing her with the hint of a threat.” Kolo growled, “Do you have any suggestions?” Lola settled in with a grin, “Yes. Of course I do.” He sat down and began to write what she dictated.

~N~

Sidonia’s bedroom in Blackstone Castle, Morning of 673, 26th, October.

Sidonia has a dream Vision. Three year old Sidonia held out her mitten and caught a snowflake, giggling at its beauty. Her mother let go of her hand pointing to the necklace in the store window she gasped, “It is so lovely.” Anthony said, “As many necklaces as you have, I doubt this will look any lovelier against your skin.” Samala pouted like a spoiled child.

Distracted by the food vendor’s call, “Hot Biscuits” Samala ordered Anthony with a mischievous smile, “Take the children to the tables, I am going to buy us some warm biscuits.” Anthony began walking with eleven year old Rorik when he saw Sidonia refused, her father warned her, “If you want a biscuit you need to come with us.”

She shook her head, pointed to the necklace, and said, “I want to buy mum a gift for her birthday.” Anthony took her hand, leading her away as he placated her, “We will come back without your mother so it can be a surprise.” Sidonia pouted, “When?” He smiled, “I will have time in a couple of days.” Now a town official came to speak with Anthony.

Sidonia got off her chair, and Rorik taunted, “If you leave I will eat your biscuit.” Sidonia stated, “I do not care.” Hurrying back to the shop she tried to open the door, it was too heavy, suddenly it started to open, nearly hitting her. A man grabbed Sidonia picking her up out of its way, before the door could hit her. She sensed his anger, and looked at him in astonishment gasping, “You are not my pa.”

The stocky grey haired man’s angry scowl faded. Now he whistled an odd tune that sounded like a haunted lullaby. Then said, “You are like my sister, she was a willful child, hmm still is.” Sidonia smiled, “I want to buy mum that necklace.” He looked over at Anthony and then at the shop grinning darkly, “When you come back like your pa promised, I will have it for you, all wrapped up with a bow.” She nodded and he set her down.

Sidonia ran back to her seat at the table. The grey haired man bought the necklace and then went to a Rambler Camp. He asked a wrinkled man, “Who can do a blocking charm.” The Rambler said with suspicion, “Tis not what we offer, for it is dark magic.” The stocky man pulled out a bag of coins shaking it as he asked coldly, “Who does?”

Not want the others in camp to overhear, the old man lowered his voice, “There is one who was shunned, then even cast out of his Cauldron, for continuing to do such things.” He held out his hand, after the grey haired man paid him, he looked about the Rambler quickly pocketing the coins, before whispering the name, then added, “He has a daughter who will know how to do it, and you can find him at the camp by the river.” The grey haired man nodded and left.

When Anthony brought the children back a few nights later, Sidonia looked all about for the grey haired man who promised to have her gift. Anthony set her down, to buy roasted nuts for them. Now Sidonia heard the odd tune being whistled; she knew it must be the stocky older man and quickly ran through the crowd. Seeing the distinguished grey haired man she gasped, “I am ready to buy my necklace.”

He smiled, “Let me see your coins.” Sidonia nodded, bringing them out of her pocket, she placed them in his hand as he said, “You remind me of a winter butterfly; flitting about, unaware of the danger as you go wherever you like.” She smiled, “I like butterflies. I do not think I have seen one in the winter.” He tapped her nose, “I have.”

She giggled and he handed her a small wrapped box instructing her, “Do not lose this, and make certain you give it to your mother.” Sidonia accepted the box and said, “Thank You.” Then she ran off going back to her father. Rorik saw that she had been missing, and he pinched her cheek, “You were not supposed to leave. Are you trying to get me in trouble?” She frowned, “I had to get my gift for mum.”

Anthony paid, then offered her some nuts, and saw the box asking, “Where did you get that?” Rorik tattled, “She ran off on her own, before either of us saw.” Sidonia proudly replied, “You said I could get a gift now. So I bought mum a gift for her birthday.” Anthony’s concern showed on his face, as he looked around, yet saw no one watching them.

~N~

A sound at her door woke Sidonia from her dream of an old memory, and she grumbled at her powers, “If you are going to interrupt my sleep with a vision, it would be nice if it were helping me out of my current problem. Instead, you give me a pointless haunting from my past.” Yawning she was thinking there was something odd about the fading vision, and then was distracted as a letter was suddenly pushed under her door.

Instantly she was afraid, as Sidonia assumed it was from Kolo. The princess had arranged with the nicest of the gate guards, Donatello, to deliver her notes to Kolo’s messenger and bring in any that came for her. He would slide them under her door, if it was after midnight or before she had left her room in the morning. Feeling trapped, since she had failed to break it off with Kolo, she begrudgingly read it.

My dearest one,

I know of no reason not to be concerned. Please reply if something has harmed you. It must have been dire, to cause you to fail to meet me. What other reason could there be. I shall be pleased, if you make a proper reparation of my thoughts and opinion on last night’s failure. You will alleviate my concerns and need for further action, should you successfully come to me tonight.

Do as you promised and bring what I have asked for.

Your devoted one.

Sidonia’s hand shook as she read his veiled threat. Nervously she went to her desk intending to write as short a letter back as he had sent. Moments went by as Sidonia attempted to find just the right words as she carefully wrote, ‘Our agreement is over. I never want to see you again. Please stay away from me, or I shall inform my father.’ It seemed unwise.

Just like last time he would confront her, though this time she had said too much and it might get her killed. She crumpled it up and started again. Her quill shook and her mind was blank, she could not even write his name. Sidonia stood determined to do as Grekan advised and tell her father everything, yet he was not here. Then Kolo’s words came to her, “Even whisper my name and I shall come and kill them all!”

Princess Sidonia sunk back down on her chair, “Not even my father can withstand his power of fire!” The letter ended up being five times the length she intended, and failed to end it with him. Instead, she wrote the first plausible excuse for not meeting him. Avoiding him was the best thing, as it would give her time to come up with a permanent plan.

The princess rushed out to find Donatello standing on the stairs leaning against the wall, looking out the large window across from him. He wore his wheat blond hair tied back dangling between his shoulders, and knew she was there without turning he said, “This is always the most fascinating view of the forest and mountains.” Now he turned to look at her and attempted to control his need to smile at her.

Shaking she handed him the note, and tried to seem calm as she stated, “I would think flying above it to be nearly the same.” Donatello saw a lock of her hair was twisting itself into a rope, and she followed his eyes to her hair and grabbed it. He smiled, “Awe those are the dark colors of night, so I miss the different tones sunlight brings. This is the only place I dare risk looking at it.” Her eyes had him mesmerized.

Sidonia saw his light blue mist was about him, to block the light. She asked, “Does it hurt you to be up during the day?” He sighed, “Not as much as it used to. Still I would not be willing to do it if injured or going into battle soon. I will be fine as long as I go to sleep within the next hour. Besides I do not wish to give up seeing the beauty.” He meant her.

Now he tilted his head looking at her with a serious expression that made Sidonia very nervous, so much that in her frightened state, she could not read his thoughts. She tried to smile, “I appreciate you handling my letters, however I would not want it to hurt you.” Her hair did a dance behind her back, yet he felt she did not know. Donatello smiled, “I am not in pain. He wondered about her bloodline and powers. She sighed, “Good.”

Donatello said with careful wording as he tapped her note, “It seems the bloom of friendship is gone and perhaps the petals have fallen, leaving frost to settle on your heart. If you wish me to say something to him… or are ever in need of a friend or protection… please know I am willing to do more than pass on a letter.” He saw the fear in her eyes, yet she pushed a smile and shook her head, trying to look innocent.

Pulling the hood over his head and forward to shade his face, Donatello went down the stairway and took the underground passage to the Guard House. There he stood in the shadows looking and waiting for the messenger. Instead, a coach pulled up, and he now saw the driver was also the messenger. Donatello walked under the shade of the entry arch and walkway, as the driver came to the front gate, to receive her reply.

Donatello did not release it, as he asked the driver, “Is your master one of honor? Clearly, he is not the owner of either shop in town. Who is he?” The messenger frowned, “I do not know what shops you refer to, and it is not my place to tell you of my master.” Donatello hissed, “I do not care for the way this affair with your master, is affecting the princess.”

~N~