Chapter Twenty Four

There is Life

~~

Rhein River, Afternoon 673, 28th, of October

Sidonia’s dream of the past continued. The princess tried to assure her mum, “I do not think that and do not want it either.” Samala’s eyes glared, “I saw it. You cause me suffering, pain, and endless deaths! I wish I were a monster to frighten you into being good!” Sidonia whimpered, “I promise, I want to be good. I do not want to do that to you.”

It was so confusing how she caused her mother many deaths. Sidonia attempted to think what she could say. As her mother spoke, her hands expressed all, “Liar.” Samala pointed a long sharp nail at her child, “I can never trust you because of what you have already done.”

Wagging it at Sidonia as she accused, “You caused me to be without my gift, making me vulnerable to the evil January Man!” Her fingers came up to her throat and chest, “You made it so he could violate me, by drinking my blood!” Her mother truly looked to be in agony. Sidonia had tears and felt guilt. Her mother’s hands reached out as if to stop him.

Samala groaned saying with dark emotion, “He forced me to drink his blood and nearly turned me into a vile vampire, because you helped him.” Her hand ran up her arm to her heart, as she wailed; “Now I suffer with his blood in me, it pollutes my pure Oracle bloodline, and you did it, tricking me with that damn necklace!” Horrified Sidonia gasped, “Mum, I just wanted to give you a gift.”

Her mother’s laugh was a mix of hysterical with evil, “Just? Do you realize had he succeeded, you would have killed my unborn child? Now the little prince has tainted blood as well! Prove that you are not going to grow up to be a vile monster that kills us all! Turn, and apologize to your brother, for the poison in his veins and nearly killing him!”

~~

Bloody Stream Rambler’s Camp, noon 673, 28th, of October

Jon stumbled back to camp, and into his wagon. Fear choked him when his son’s bed was empty and Charles was not playing with his toys either. Jon kicked them out of the way, as he rushed out towards the camp’s fire, accusing the women, “Who has Charles?” They looked up from their chores, glaring at him with anger, as each shook their head.

They felt pity for the boy and his mum, to be stuck with Jonathon. Endora scolded, “Do not use that tone with us. Where were you, oh let me guess up to no good as usual.” Hazel sneered, “Spendin’ your wife’s coin, on an ale.” Endora added, “Worst is that you did not even warn us you were leaving the poor boy alone!”

Hazel mocked, “Tis what ya get for pullin’ the wagon over there. Claimin’ the smoke of the fire was botherin’ ya, when we all know it was so ya could sneak off.” Hazel spit between her horned fingers, down by his foot, “Ya did not want us seein’ ya. The boy does not deserve ta pay for yer dirty doin’s! Nor should ya bein’ tryin’ to blame us!”

Zara agreed, “You are a no good father and husband. Poor Myrtle!” Jon angrily growled at them, “Bitch at me all you want, after you tell me now where Charles is!” They shook their heads, he did not want to believe them as he pleaded, “I admit I am a bit of a shit for sneaking a drink!”

Jon grasped his chest, “Just do not kill me with worry, trying to teach me a lesson.” Endora huffed, “We would tell you if we had him. I shall try to see.” She sat on the ground, closing her eyes, she grabbed handfuls of dirt, as she hummed trying to block out the hissing women and whining father. Endora screamed out, “He is on the ground.”

Endora said, “I think he fell down a ravine in the woods! He is not moving. I believe, yet I am not certain, still I hope he is alive.” Jon grabbed her up from the dirt, shaking her as he begged, “Tell me where!” Endora’s eyes went wide as she stated, “I do not know.” Jon screamed with real fear, “Which way do I go?”

Shaking her head Endora said, “I do not know the place that I saw. I do not know which way. Let me sit on the ground, so the elements might help me see more.” Jonathon let go of her, running off into the woods closest to his wagon as he screamed, “Charles!” Running quickly Jon looked for anything that might be a ravine.

The women stood in a huddle developing a plan, yet whispered, in hopes they did not disturb Endora. Olive said, “We need the men home, tis gonna take us all searching these woods, in order to find him before dark.” Hazel agreed, “It twas freezin’ last night and colder today than yesterday was.” Olive said, “We need to pack food for them.”

Zara stated, “I am fastest. I will run for the men, while you get the supplies ready for everyone.” She grabbed her cloak as she ran into the forest to where most of the clan was out logging trees.

~~

Sidonia felt grief at her actions, and did not know how she could make it right. Her mother pointed. She turned slightly, keeping an eye on her. Sidonia whispered, “I am sorry Viktor. I did not mean to.” She whipped back to her mother not in time. Samala grabbed her neck, tossing her

twenty feet. Sidonia’s head spun as she tried to sit up.

She could only lay there helpless. The princess watched, as her mum came closer. Now Samala justified her actions, “I must save us all from who you become!” Sidonia truly worried, she knew her mother was capable of murder. She managed to roll over on her stomach. She pushed to sit against the wall, hoping to stand and run. Her mother’s words put dark images in her child’s mind.

Sidonia believed that somehow she was going to become a hideous monster as she grew up, for betraying her mother. Queen Samala bent down a little, tilting her head slowly, “I know if I let you live, you will be his weapon, and it shall destroy us all.”

Princess Sidonia pleaded, “What are you going to do to me mummy.” The little princess’ guilt had her almost believing her mother, and that she deserved death at her hands. Her mother’s silence was deafening and it had the young girl thinking of what Samala would do next.

Sidonia could not stop from pleading, “Please! Do not take me to the forest mummy!” Still her mother came closer enjoying her terror. The princess gasped, “I promise I will be good. Can you just tell me what to do to stop it?” The Queen neared her and now Sidonia gave a shrill scream.

The princess yelled with all her might, “Save me Father!” They heard the running footsteps, causing Samala to regret she had not hurried. The queen rushed forward, bringing a sharp spike from her hair. As the long locks of hair fell about Samala, they became snakes, as she slashed at Sidonia, who put out her hand to block it.

Samala thrusted the deadly porcupine quill at Sidonia, impaling the princess’ hand; with her force, she pushed her impaled hand against her chest, thrusting it through, piercing her chest. It went deeper into Sidonia’s body, as she screamed. The door opened Sidonia cried out in pain and horror, as she was dying.

The guard had been frantically looking for the crazed queen, fearing she tricked him. Now he rushed into the nursery grabbing Samala, pulling her away before she could stab Princess Sidonia again. Samala turned on him, aiming for his eye he jerked back, as she stabbed his cheek instead. Blood pooled about Sidonia, she did not remember falling.

As her eyes blinked, she saw the cherubs on the ceiling. Darkness took her before she could call out for help. When she opened her eyes again, she saw her father suddenly appear, and he lifted her up. Biting his hand, her father placed it over her chest wound healing it, and then her hand. Now Anthony took Sidonia to the Rambler’s Camp.

As far as Sidonia could remember, that was the last time she saw her mother. The vision changed to a dream where she was trying to save Viktor from an unknown threat. She stood in its way, as an enormous dark cloaked figure stalked towards the prince as he lay sleeping.

First, the beast’s power caused his darkness to spread, even the flames of the torches pushed away from him. Then he held out his black scaled hand, it had black claws, which were long and sharp. The dark princess felt his darkness encompassing her as his hand pulled at her soul.

Sidonia saw the blue mist of her spirit was being pulled from her towards the cloaked monster.

~~

The Catacombs, Afternoon 673, 28th, of October

Kolo poured a blood drink; setting it on the table by his chair, he called his throne. It was

weakening him to be up during the day, yet he could not sleep. About his overly large, finely carved, wooden chair were five stone caskets, each with their feet towards his throne, fanning out in a circle.

The Evil One pushed the stone lids back, one at a time, on three of the five stone tombs. The first was beautifully decorated in Egyptian hieroglyphs. The next was in a Rambler theme, of wagons about a fire. The final one he opened had Greek gods painted on it. The Greek tomb was different from the rest in two aspects. First, it had a small glass square above her face, so that he could always see her.

Second, this occupant was not Greek, yet was royalty. He enjoyed reading of the Greek Gods, and liked their statues, so he had painted it in their honor. What fun was it to have two of the same theme? Weakly he only slid them open enough to reveal the upper half of the three women.

Now, he started the process to bring the chosen ones back to life. Pouring blood in their tombs, he tossed a small measure from a barrel, of his pre-done and spelled mixture of needed ingredients. Mixing the dried items with blood, he poured it in their mouths. While Kolo’s blood held less witch power, unlike his sister’s blood, he had studied magic as far as it pertained to death and bringing one back to life.

He acquired a powerful Sorcerer’s Stone, considering himself a self-taught Sorcerer. Coming back to the front of his throne, he picked up his favorite object. Both staff and throne were made of a dark walnut wood and carved in an elfin theme, by a Light Elf of the Mystical Realm.

Kolo also had the elf place the source of his abilities, the potent crystal, at the top of his elegant carved staff, the elf magically grew the wood up about it to keep the Sorcerer’s Stone in place. Kolo waved his Sorcerer’s Staff over the three opened tombs, even though it hurt to hold it, due to the pain caused by opening their stone lids.

He held his Sorcerer’s Staff, so it was aimed at the three tombs. He watched his crystal’s enchanted yellow glow, which covered the three tombs, and his face pained him as Kolo spoke the words to bring them back to life.

“I take these deaths; I offer them, for your light

Gift essence and life into these undead this Night

Cut plant, dug root, spilt blood by cursed knife

Earth and blood, fire and spirit, breathe air of life.

Replenish these bodies of all drained fluid and tissue

Heal these harmed ones let them live as though new.”

Kolo walked over to the two neglected tombs behind his chair and ran his fingers down them. On his left was a Chinese theme and the final tomb had dark haunted ghouls with screaming faces painted on it, his version of her Hell. He taunted them, “You will both have to wait until January. See what happens when you continue to displease me?”

He imagined they heard him and were suffering as he laughed with delight. Kolo sat in his throne, which faced the three. As he drank blood, he reminisced on killing the first two, and keeping them in wood coffins. The third captured was the Egyptian, she came with the outer stone tomb as well; it was cumbersome to remove her from both.

He also found that he preferred to gaze on her coffin, as it was carved and painted in her image. Still her stone tomb was also beautifully painted; it had scenes of her funeral, rise, and passage, in the underworld. Kolo had to switch them all into stone tombs, after finding Nepathi woke early, breaking a bit of the face of her lid.

The Egyptian had shoved the coffin lid off onto the stone floor. Kolo luckily found Nepathi, before she figured out how to open the hidden door of the exit, to leave his catacombs. Kolo quickly broke Nepathi’s neck placing her in her stone tomb instead. He kept Nepathi’s original coffin, even with one eye broken; it was too beautiful to discard.

Kolo set the Egyptian’s sarcophagus upright with the other wood coffins against the back wall. The Egyptian’s stone tomb was entertaining so he decided to paint images on each of the tombs, starting with the first. Kolo Skotadi grinned as a trio of cries echoed about his catacombs.

He gloried in the three victims’ waking screams. Kolo giggled, “And there is life!”

~~

The Ferry had passed the other docks, as no one had been waiting. Sidonia was jostled awake, due to the ferry bumping against the next dock as the Ferryman tied it to the post. The princess was glad to be out of the nightmare, yet now she feared for Viktor’s safety and felt guilt for leaving him behind. Seeing no waiting passengers at the dock, she wondered if some were getting off.

Yet, none seemed to be preparing to leave. She searched further in from the bank and saw no one suspicious.

The Ferryman said, “This is Old Oak Tavern’s Dock. It has numerous facilities for those needing a quick break. The next one will be in a few hours at The Hangman’s Haunt. Those of you getting off, please hurry back, you do not want me leaving without you.”

Her captain counted as they left, and Sidonia walked with him. Sidonia felt it helped to splash cool clean water on her face. As she was coming out of the Old Oak Tavern, Sidonia was yanked back against the outer wall, then she was whipped about by the male, she now faced, who had grabbed her arm. It was Kolo’s man.

He chuckled harshly squeezing it, “You are a pretty thing. I believe we are looking for you.” Sidonia said as viciously as she could, “Let go of me!” He chuckled, as she gazed into the dark eyes of the semi bald headed, red-nosed male and recalled seeing him with the larger male before.

~~

Mountain Road, 673, nearing noon, 28th, October

There were four of them in the carriage as they traveled, and Grekan introduced himself to a young looking mother and her fourteen year old boy, as the woman said, “I am having trouble getting by, and dread this winter on our own. My sister has asked me and my son Tom to come live with her.” The man did not talk, just grunted his hello,

Then the man went back to snoring loudly. They smiled trying not to laugh. Grekan was amazed he could sleep on such a bumpy road. He felt worried as the coach crossed the river, at one point it became stuck. It came loose with a few tries, then on the other side of the river they stopped and had a packed lunch.

The coach master examined the wheel and shook his head, “I hope it lasts us, I do not know of another blacksmith for at least a day or two.” Grekan groaned to himself, ‘Just my luck. Can something go right?’

~~

Princess Sidonia glared at the slim small man. As he said in a harsh whisper, “I am Weasel. Behave and I will not need to hurt you.” Sidonia felt his whisper meant, if she screamed she could get help. She saw through the window that the bigger man was at the bar, who had been with

Weasel at a previous dock.

Focusing on the claws on her left panther bracelet, she felt them come out and she slashed his arm that held her, with the panther’s claws. Weasel cried out as he fell back against the wall. She hissed glaring into his eyes, “You do not remember seeing me.”

The Dark Princess’ eyes glowed a mystical brilliant blue, and a blue mist came about her as she tried harder, “You only recall hurting yourself when you fell. The thought of touching me makes you sick!” Sidonia ran back to the dock, she felt the claws retract on her left bracelet.

She was thrilled that the claws had worked, and hoped he was not following her. Sidonia had not seen the blue mist of her Dhampir side, as it came about her. Nor did she know her eyes had glowed blue rather than the usual green mist caused when using her Oracle side.

The princess rushed away unsure if he was just so surprised that he was too stunned to move. Either way, she was glad father had told her of the bracelet’s power and how it worked. Getting quickly onto the boat, she now turned to see if he had followed. There was no one coming for her.

She felt so shaken she feared falling and rushed back to her seat. Pulling her hood forward, and cloak about her she laid as the dizzy weakness took over. Now she guest why she was feeling ill. She had been warned that the Dhampir ability her first few times, might cause her to faint. She looked to the Dragon and it nodded, she hoped it meant it could save her.

All went black as she passed out. Soon she dreamt of her father’s warning, ‘Using the Panther’s Claws too much, an example is in a battle with over ten men or wearing the bracelet too often will allow the panther to take over. I do not know what that means, so it is best to only wear it on rare occasions.’ Sidonia tried to hug him, “I am sorry father.”

Her father disappeared, as the dark princess dreamt that she was becoming a panther, as she fought it trying to take the bracelet off. It was too late, the black fur, claws, and fangs came anyway.

~~

Now Darciana’s eyes went wide at his charred appearance, as Kolo peered down upon the Rambler in her crypt, she gasped, “You look ghastly, oh wait-who are you.” He said as he lifted her out of the tomb, “I actually prefer this terrifying look. It always gives me glee to see the horror I cause others.” Darciana groaned, “I do not understand.”

Carrying the Rambler, Kolo added, “I only use the pretty ones when I am trying to get something from someone. Even men fall all over themselves to help the beautiful ones.” Everyone favors a pleasing complexion, one who is nothing other than fortunate to be born beautiful. What did they do to earn it? Absolutely nothing, tis pure luck of the draw!”

Darciana’s mind was confused, not understanding what he meant. Darciana blinked, clearing her eyes, now recognizing him she gasped, “Oh. It is you! I charmed your jewelry so no one heard your thoughts, why are you here?” Kolo had walked slowly, and was nearly groaning with the effort of carrying her to his Craftroom.

As he sat her in her chair, Kolo scoffed, “Circumstances require I be myself until healed, which would have been sooner if my sister was more skilled. I shall have to give her some practice raising all of you, next time.” She gasped, “You were him, all this time?” He placed her wrists on the arms of the heavy wooden chair latching them in as he said mockingly, “Yes, I am still Kolo.”

He fastened a belt at her waist, behind the chair’s back. Darciana’s mind was racing as she gasped, “I had not realized you had another image, how is this possible?” Kolo smugly laughed as he fastened her ankle against the leg of the chair saying, “Not too good at being a clairvoyant are

you. At least you are good at hexes, charms, and curses.”

Kolo locked in the other ankle saying, “I might need another before the day is out.” Her head spun as she thought back before she was captured and had no idea how often she helped him, if he were able to change his appearance. Darciana gasped, “I should have realized it was the damn mad woman’s fault the moment you entered with her!”

Now Queen Samala’s superior tone was heard from the other room, coming from her open tomb, “What have I to do with your capture, cousin?” Leaving Darciana, Kolo slowly went back to get Samala. The queen choked at the sight of him, “What has happened to your face and hands?”

Kolo growled down into her face, “Your fucking husband’s damn barrier that is what happened!” Samala sneered, “It is your own fault for breaking your promise to leave my children alone.” Kolo lifted her out of the Greek tomb, slowly carrying her to the Craftroom, as he said bitterly, “Did you keep your end of that bargain?”

She hissed, “No, it was impossible to act like I care for you.” Kolo sneered, “Then you should accept that there are punishments!” Samala gave a smug sigh, “I guess I am not as good at faking things the way others are.” Examining him, her sight still blurred, she blinked looking at him again. Now Samala gasped in horror, “Oh my Hell, I know you!”

Kolo sat the queen in the chair next to her cousin, as Darciana mocked, “You are slow to admit it.” He strapped in the stunned Samala as she replied, “I had not seen his true image for nearly a decade before he captured me!” Darciana said, “That makes two of us.” Kolo clasped her wrists in, as Samala demanded, “What has Darciana to do with my capture?” Kolo smirked, “Quite a lot, my queen.”

He joyously added, “She charmed my jewelry so none could read my thoughts. It was a happy coincidence that I was directed to her again, when I needed my necklace hexed. Then I tricked Sidonia into buying and giving you the necklace.” Samala seethed, “Causing me to lose my gift, so you could force yourself on me in my garden.”

Kolo giggled, “Oh, that was fun, having a taste right under Anthony’s nose and him none the wiser. Then naturally, I had Darciana hex the bracelet, which I convinced Sidonia she needed to give you. It was such a lovely drive into the countryside, as the naive girl led me right to where Anthony had you hidden at the sanitarium.”

Sighing Kolo admitted, “Your capture was inevitable.” Darciana defended it, “I admit I saw no harm in charming his jewelry so others did not know his thoughts. When he came back, he did not look like this, he wanted to hex a necklace to block a Witch’s gift. I said no.” Samala hissed, “Then what the hell am I doing here dear betrayer!”

Kolo laughed, clamping Samala’s ankles in.” Darciana hissed, “Guess. Father saw the money and insisted.” Leaving them, Kolo slowly went to retrieve his third witch, as Darciana admitted, “I realized he was trying to harm you when he gave me your hair, and I refused to have any part of it. Father hurt me, and threatened to sell me.”

So good at blaming others, Queen Samala scoffed, “And you could not find a way around it nor even thought to warn me?” Kolo gleefully called back to answer for the reluctant Darciana, “Oh she tried!” Samala sneered, “Yet here I am!” Kolo added, “You have yourself to blame for that. Darciana got very close to ruining everything!”

Kolo smiled at the memory, “Poor girl was at Blackstone Castle, attempting to convince them that she had an important message for you. I anticipated she might feel obligated to warn you, and was there to capture her! That is what you get for never admitting your Rambler past.” Samala

hissed, “What has my past to do with this?”

Darciana vented, “The guards did not care for the look of me, father had beaten me for refusing and when I said I was your cousin they called me a liar, saying you had no family. Had they known they would have let me in. Instead, Kolo rolled up claiming I was his runaway slave, and they did nothing as he took me! I doubt they even told you.”

Kolo giggled, “Imagine that, I did you a favor by killing your father.” Samala mocked, “If innocent, why did you still hex my bracelet?” Darciana taunted, “I was already captured!” Kolo added, “Oh Samala, you have been far more compliant than she. In fact, Darciana held out through a few months of torture, before giving in. It was such fun.”

Laughing he added, “You know I always get my way.” Samala gave a dismissive sniff. Kolo now brought the third Witch, an Egyptian, over to the table, and put her across from the angry cousins. Kolo only cuffed one of Nepathi’s ankles, and it was linked to a lengthy heavy chain.

The chain then attached to the leg of a heavy wooden chair, which was bolted to the stone floor. Wobbling, Nepathi stood to peer into the bowl. Kolo got each of the three a cup and carafe of blood, putting it on the table near each victim. Then unlocked the left cuffs only, of the two cousins.

Now Kolo glared at the three, giving them a harsh threat, “Warning, I am in a dark mood. Naughty ones get the agony of my newest tortures, so either delight me so I get to use one of them, or behave.”

~~