Chapter Four

Best Laid Plans

~N~

Blackstone Castle Library, Evening 673, 26th, October

It was the coachman’s turn to scoff, “Well if she has hurt feelings it is one sided, as he has no intentions towards her. She is merely doing research for the master, and these letters were to let her know when he was in town, as well as a time when they could converse on it. Hers are the same, to let him know what she has learned and when she is available.”

Donatello hissed, “That was not what she claimed these were. I demand you have your master come and get it.” The driver pulled harder bringing Donatello’s hand into the sunlight and smoke started, until Donatello pulled bringing them back in the shade. The driver stated, “I cannot. You know he cannot leave the coach any more than you can leave the shade.”

Learning what he had feared, that the writer of the notes was a vampire, Donatello insisted, “Tell me his name.” The man hissed, “You are foolish to poke your nose into his business; and it is likely to have dire consequences for you.” Donatello scoffed, “If his intentions are honest why keep his name from me? What are the consequences for her?” The messenger seethed, “Even if I could I would never tell you anything.”

Donatello urged, “Clearly you want to.” The messenger whispered, “He will know you asked, for he always compels me to tell him of our exchange, I am unable to lie.” Donatello scoffed, “Well then let me tell you what to say and you need not wait until he compels you. I do not feel your master is one of integrity. If this is only about research there is no reason for the fear I saw in the princess.”

The man tugged harder on the note, as Donatello continued, “If your master can reassure me, I shall apologize, and give him this note. Something tells me he is too much of a coward to speak to me. Am I wrong?” The man tried to pull the note from Donatello’s grip, causing the envelope to tear, and then the man released his grip fearing he damaged it.

Donatello pulled the letter out, stepped back from his reach, and then silently began to read it. The man gasped, “He will kill us both.”

I had an unexpected visitor, which made it impossible for me to meet you at the scheduled time. My former friend Rebeca from Witch Island arrived. While unannounced, it was welcome. I am sure you recall I mentioned her and our falling out when she inadvertently died while doing a vision. They were able to bring her back, yet she blamed me for not warning her of the danger.

Rebeca wanted to come and tell me she forgives me, knowing it was not my intent nor fault that she was harmed. It was such a relief and kindness for her to make her apology in person. Rebeca also came with a missive from my former Instructors at the Five Element’s School. Apparently, their teaching methods came under a great deal of scrutiny, after Rebeca’s mishap was talked of in the village.

The Elders then got involved and felt that the schools Oracle Training was needlessly dangerous and out of date. They ruled the school must cease all Oracle Training, until they approve and deem the new lessons are safe enough to teach. Yet it seems none of them nor other more important Oracles, were able to make time to assist them in creating the new safer lessons.

Rebeca says, “The rumor is that none of the Oracles want to assume responsibility nor blame if their advice is taught wrong nor goes badly. Even the Elders began to argue about which method was safest, as each kind has their own way of doing things.” The Instructors are imploring me to return for a few days, and help them restructure the Oracle training. I cannot refuse when doing so will save further students from suffering the kind of death Rebeca endured.

Perhaps I will even save lives, as some in the past were not as fortunate as Rebeca, when they failed to revive those students. I am sure you will understand that I had to leave right away even though it means missing our scheduled visit. I plan to be back in time to assist my father with the Territory Leaders Meeting. I am leaving this letter, to be given to you, as I will be gone before you shall receive it.

Trust that I shall try to meet up with you prior to the gathering, if not I am sure I shall see you at the quarterly meeting.

Sidonia

Donatello was angry with himself, as he closed up the letter. Yet he had not seen Rebeca, nor heard of any visitor, and Sidonia was clearly still here. He was satisfied she had written these lies in order to avoid the vampire she wrote it to. He changed his mind and gave it to the messenger yet said, “I offer no regret for reading it and if it is as you say it should not anger him to have anyone know of it. So I will let it stand as a warning.”

The driver hissed, “You are a fool.” Donatello’s jaw tightened, making his cheekbones even more prominent as he replied harshly, “He should find someone else to do his research. I am certain that if I were to ask Anthony he would feel as I do, that there is something less than honorable going on here.” The man grew pale and shook as he muttered, “Where is the princess and what has she told you?”

Donatello scoffed, “She is on Witch Island. Prior she said these were lists of items for the shop owner to order in for her, which clearly it is not, nor is he a shop owner.” The coachman began to walk away stating, “I wish you had not told me what you thought nor what she might be feeling.” Donatello answered him, “That only confirms my suspicions.”

He saw the driver pass the letter in the window placing it in the waiting hand of his master. Donatello stared at the dark carriage then into the unknown brown eyes, of the grey haired vampire, who glared back. He acknowledged Donatello with a glint of hatred in his strangely dull brown eyes. Then with a tilt of his head, he gave Donatello a cruel grin.

Donatello had a hard time imagining Sidonia in love with this older even if a distinguished vampire. Yet the princess had not denied it when he implied he was her lover. The driver asked, “Will there be a response?” Donatello saw his master’s reply; the door of the carriage suddenly opened, as the stocky vampire grabbed his driver pulling him inside. It was quick with little struggle and only a slight scream.

With a crack of his neck, the poor man’s horror was silenced. Then the cruel master tossed his driver’s body out onto the road. Clearly, the fiend was a vampire, just as the messenger claimed and he heard all they had said to each other. The carriage door closed and the driverless horses took off, compelled by their master.

~N~

When Grekan had first entered Anthony’s Library, he had been less hopeful of his new position, as the numerous rows of shelves kept him from realizing the entire size of it in a glance. Once he wandered through its entirety, he saw it was larger than most castle’s throne rooms. It had multiple levels and staircases. It also had open areas with chairs and tables. Sidonia’s favorite was by the windows that encircled its own garden.

Grekan poured over maps, suggesting islands, while Sidonia painted pictures for her latest stories. She came over to look at each location, talking to Grekan while the pages dried, before she carefully added them to their binder for Viktor’s books. Grekan said, “It is sunset and no return note from the Evil One, I call that a success.”

Sidonia sighed, “I am less confident and wish I could see how he reacted.” Grekan scoffed, “I believe your ruse has worked. Now we need to choose which of the two plans we go with.” She groaned, “They are both too drastic.” Confident, Grekan urged, “Telling your father is smart and courageous.” Sidonia moaned, “I need a plan to get out of this alive.”

Then the dark princess admitted, “I am leaning towards the second option, fleeing to some distant shore an ocean away.” Grekan suggested, “What if you do both. Leave your father a letter explaining everything, and then flee.” Sidonia hated to sound so cowardly, as she said, “Father would read it and find me, before I manage to get away.”

Grekan focused on what she wanted, “We have three decent island options in the Mystical Realm. My favorite is the Forbidden Skull Island, where we found the book. Your Ex, is not likely to enter the ruins of the Dread Passing, nor the Harrowing Village, just to climb Skull Mountain. Best of all, you can stay in your father’s cave fortress, the Hallowed Castle, where the Evil One is not allowed in. It really is ideal.”

She sighed, “It will be easy for my father to know I am there. Those who guard the sealed Gateway to the Dark Realm would know of my presence, so his men would find out. And there are no supplies on the island.” He countered, “Go to Witch Island when you need anything.” She groaned, “The Evil One knows I lived there; trust me, he will have the spies already on Witch Island just waiting for me to show up.”

Grekan was not discouraged, “Fine, there is Mermaid Island or the Banned Dark Continent.” Sidonia moaned, “It is named that for a reason. While I have never been to either, I hear both are very dangerous. We need to consider the Human Realm; I think everything in the Mystical Realm is off.” Grekan offered, “The Greek isles should be agreeable.”

She nodded yet did not look convinced, as he urged, “You told me our foe had a bad experience near there once, right?” Sidonia agreed, “Yes. Ko- um someone told him it was a short flight over to Egypt. He got a late start well after midnight, and then panicked after an hour when there was no land in sight and a lightning storm came at him. He tried to turn around.” Grekan felt hopeful, “See it is sounding perfect.”

Sidonia added, “Disoriented the evil one flew three hours, as the sky lightened he found he had been flying parallel to the land, and nearly got caught by the sun before finding shelter. He said he will never fly over water again, which is why I want to go to an island.” Grekan mocked, “I wish Kol-.” She gasped, he amended, “-the Evil One, had burned to death.”

Sidonia sighed as he added, “I have not heard of the power to hear one’s name. And we used to say it all the time.” Sidonia was tense as she replied, “I have not heard of having fire, so I dare not test it nor him, after what I witnessed.” The scribe offered, “I have been to an abbey on a Greek isle a few times, it had lots of good books.”

She snickered, “They do not allow women and religious men do not take kindly to magic.” He groaned, “Right. Maybe Egypt is safe, if the evil one had a bad experience getting there. Your talents and dark hair would not stand out among them and their mystical beliefs.” Sidonia sighed, “Yes, that might have been perfect. However, he still went, he just traveled over land.” Grekan asked, “Did he hate it?”

The dark princess replied, “Other than the Territorial Leader being very annoyed that he was late, the evil one loved Egypt. He was fascinated with their Necropolis and said he learned so much that he wishes to return there.” Grekan groaned, “Not there then.” They looked at the map and he asked, “What was the area that had a clan known for killing vampires?”

Sidonia shuddered, “It is in the north and not detailed on that map.” Grekan asked, “How is it that you heard of it?” She answered, “Father told me the story due to it being one of the nearest inhabited lands, to the one I picked and named Helluland Island, for father’s Wolfmen Clan.” Grekan gasped, “Helluland?” Sidonia laughed, “A few things are hellish; the sun does not go down for a month in the summer.”

Grekan’s eyes went wide, “Really.” She nodded, “Then it does not come up for a month causing their winters to be brutal, and a lot of fog, caused by hot pools. Still I cannot go there nor to the Bearmen Clan’s Island. It is forbidden to be involved with either clan from the Mystical Realm.” Grekan sighed, “It is a shame to know of two remote islands, and yet you are not allowed. Surely you could go, who would find out?”

She disagreed, “Father and Fate might check on his clans. Fate would consider it a betrayal and blame Father, if I were found there.” Sidonia mumbled, “Also it is unwise to risk it, Blood Skullers was hired to kill the rogue vampire, bringing them to the notice of Territorial Leaders. That and a month of sun make’s it not ideal for a Bloodchild.”

Grekan grumbled, “It is dangerous for a half Bloodchild to hide anywhere that is away from their House. I am surprised they did not slaughter Blood Skullers and his clan, seeing them as a threat.” Sidonia replied, “Fate does not allow the killing of her Humans, over one man killing one of our kind, and the vampire earned death for killing Humans.”

He sighed, “What about the Isle of Man? I heard they practice some sort of magic there.” Sidonia agreed, “They might welcome me there.” Grekan added, “It’s a shorter distance by ship, than going to the Northern Islands.” Sidonia shrugged, “We traveled through the Devil’s Dark Gate, when I went with father to take the Wolfmen to Helluland.”

Grekan went on, “There are even two larger land masses about the Isle of Man, and Faroe Island as well, which do you like?” Sidonia picked up her cloak, and began to put it on. Grekan was annoyed, “So are we done here?” She said nothing, so he asked, “Where are you going?” She did not answer, so he came and stood before her, “I thought you promised to read to Viktor tonight?” Sidonia seemed dazed, “I need to go.”

He insisted, “Where?” Finally, she replied, “I desire to go to the gate. He is there and wants to apologize, to make things right.” Grekan hissed at her, “Hell no!” Sidonia did not notice trying to go around him. Grekan quickly released her cloak yanking it off; it brought her out of the trance, she gasped, “What do you think you are doing?”

Grekan stated boldly, “I am saving your life, assuming the Evil One is there, I doubt it is to apologize! I bet he is attempting to know you are here and prove your letter is a lie. If he sees you your ruse is over, and you will never escape him!” She shuddered receiving a vision. Grekan saw and demanded, “What did you see?” The Princess quickly sat down as she said, “Earlier, the Evil One killed the messenger who gave him my note.”

Shaking his head Grekan said, “The guards should have told us! I fear he is stronger than we thought, you appeared compelled.” Sidonia shook her head; then gave in, “I admit you are likely correct. I am tired, we have done enough here.” She picked up the books saying, “I will read to Viktor and then go to bed early.” Grekan replied, “That would be best.”

As he walked her out of the library Grekan said, “I wish your gift allowed you to see what is safest for you… rather than only being able to use it to help others. Do you want me to lock you in?” She nodded.

~N~

Kolo and Lola arrived right at sunset, leaving their carriage behind a small grove of trees passed Blackstone Castle, near the river. He walked from the coach to the edge of the grove, hating the noise of the crunch of the falling leaves beneath his feet. Kolo looked to see if anyone watched, worrying that the trees were too barren to hide them and their carriage. He went too far into the sun and backed up, finding what little shade he could.

Lola joined him, remaining mist, saving her strength. Even though both of the twins experienced nearly the same discomforts, they were too eager to prove the other wrong, to want to wait until dusk. Now they stood under the shade of the trees watching the front gate of the castle. As the sun sunk behind the hills, a fog came up from the ground, making it harder to see the castle clearly.

After a long boring silence, Lola smirked, “I am willing to make a wager on her being here. What are you willing to bet me that she is not?” Kolo shook his head feeling less certain and did not want to admit he was wrong. Still, his sister’s unwanted taunts were less annoying than knowing the guard read the princess’s letter. All of it broke his hold on Sidonia. Lola smirked, “No need to respond. I take your silence as a win.”

Kolo now hissed, “I had Sidonia in my power and was bringing her to the gate, when your whining broke my concentration! Now I must rest a moment, before I can start over.” Lola snorted, “So, you claim you had control over her here, which means I was right, she lied in her note to you. Hmm, what possible reason would she have for lying? Oh, I know. You exposed yourself as a liar to her last night!”

~N~

Grekan followed her to Viktor’s room, then sat in the window seat as she read to him, “The Angel that owed the king a life debt said, ‘I vow only death will stop me from finding the prince and bringing him back to you.’ The Angel had not told the king that the only way to go to the Dark Realm was to fall as if sentenced.” Grekan frowned.

Sidonia went on, “It meant that the Angel would no longer be welcome in Heaven, and his wings would burn, causing his feathers to fall off, bringing him great pain. He would be a Fallen Angel. Still he kept his vow, by sneaking up into the grand Court of Justice. There the Angel opened the drop to the Dark Realm and fell. He woke, laying in darkness and his eyes could not see.”

“Quickly he searched the Dark Realm, using his powers to sense the prince’s soul, for it would still shine bright. As he went to him, his sight returned. Yet seeing the prince’s appearance startled him into nearly denying it was the king’s son. The prince was unconscious and weak from the transformation. The Angel lifted him, flying back out of the portal, not sure he would be allowed out of the Dark Realm, now that he was in it.”

“The Angel believed where they had not been sentenced nor marked as Demons, he and the prince would not be trapped by the spell that bound Demons there. The Angel successfully left the gateway, entering the Justice Court in Heaven. Laying the prince down, he swiftly changed the portal to the Mystical Realm. He was about to drop with the prince, when two Warring Angels entered the courtroom and saw him.”

“Unafraid, the Angel dropped with the prince in his arms. This time was not as far, only burning the skin of his featherless wings a bit, so he did not lose consciousness. He knew the Warring Angels would not be willing to fall to follow him; they went to the main Realm Gateway. Once in the Mystical realm, he saw the prince’s skin was burning. He was by Wizard Island and went into the first cave and felt the Warring Angels were nearing”

“The Angel woke the prince quickly telling him, ‘I have saved you from the Dark Realm. I am about to be taken to prison, so to keep you safe I am leaving you here. Stay hidden until dark, your father’s castle is north of this island. Tell the king I have done all I can.’ The prince nodded, trying to understand.’ The Angel flew off as far and as fast as he could, to draw the Warring Angels away from the prince.”

“The prince fell into an exhausted slumber; not knowing what danger he was in. The Warring Angels caught the Angel who saved the prince. He refused to tell them where he had been, nor what he carried. The Judge found him guilty, surmising that he used the Court Gateway to release a prisoner from Hell or Nifl. He was sentenced to six centuries serving Ethereal, chained to her will as a Reaper of the Shade Realm.”

“Later the prince woke again as the sun had nearly set. He stumbled towards the opening, and then gasped as the fading sunlight burnt him. Rushing back in the cave, he began to remember the Angel telling him to stay until dark. He did not know where he was, nor who he or his father were. After sunset he wandered out looking for food.”

“Slowly some of what the Angel had done for him, and the information he told him came back, other parts were a vague memory. He heard cries. Going towards it, he saw robbers tormenting an old Wizard. Quickly the prince saved him, surprised by his own strength as he threw the robbers a great distance with little effort.”

“The Wizard was frightened, and yet so thankful that he did not oppose the sight of the prince. The prince lifted the Wizard and carried him back to his home, and there he nursed him back to health. In return, the old wizard helped him, by explaining why the sun hurt him, and why he craved blood. The Wizard named him, Lord of Darkness.”

Viktor yawned, “Does he ever find his father?” Sidonia smiled, “I guess we will find out tomorrow night.” The young prince wanted to argue, but was too tired to stay awake, so he closed the book. Sidonia placed it next to the others she had made for him, then she kissed Viktor’s forehead and Grekan followed her out of his room.

Now Grekan stated, “That seemed like an awfully dark story for such a young boy.” Sidonia chuckled, “You should hear the stories he tells me. Besides when you grow up in our world with my parents, I think it is better to know you are not the only one who went through struggles.” Grekan had not thought of it like that and now nodded, following her.

~N~

Impatient Lola asked, “Well, have you sensed her yet?” Kolo gasped with the effort, “No. I only thought I did for that moment. It is more likely that she is in the other realm.” As wWeakness took over his fake image left him. His sister snickered at his inability to maintain it. This caused him anger, “You do not have anything close to this power, and until you do it will be wise for you to keep all mocking to yourself.”

Lola huffed, “Is that a threat?” Kolo retorted, “Do you really want to find out?” She faded and he rolled his eyes at her way of pouting and he threatened, “Leave me and who will help you find the body you want?” Lola came back, and resentfully stayed on his left. Kolo scoffed, “See, even you wish a different look than our own.”

~N~

Sidonia went into her father’s den and then brought one of her father’s finest liquors with her to her own room. Grekan locked her door from the outside, and took the key, going to his own bedroom. The sound of it locking had Sidonia feeling as though she had lost her mind and was imprisoned for her own good, just like her mother had been; a silent tear escaped flowing down her cheek.

She lit a lamp, poured a cup full, and drank it while getting ready for bed. Her head spun with guilt over the death of the messenger, as she went from wanting to confess to her father, to needing to run away from all she had done. As she laid down, an overwhelming desire to see Kolo came over her. She got up remembering she had an extra key.

Sidonia found the key in her drawer, whispering to herself, “I will just make sure he is not too livid. If I can make this right I can stay and do not have to tell father.” Yet as she went to get her cloak she saw the unfinished pages for Viktor’s newest story she was writing, and came to her senses, “No, never!”