Chapter Twenty Five

Three Troublesome Witches

~~

Hangman’s Haunt Dock, Afternoon 673, 28th, October

The Dragon’s head tapped her hand, “Wake now princess, two are approaching.” Sidonia woke to his warning, sitting up, she was alone on the ferry, and sensed the two who were nearing the shoreline were seeking her. Princess Sidonia turned towards the dock, and saw two hooded individuals. Quickly she stood bringing out the Dragon blade.

As the two stepped into the ferry coming towards her, the Dragon Blade shortened to a long dagger. The two saw her weapon and came to a stop. Reddirk raised his hand, and Zara flipped back the hood of her cloak so the girl would see she was a female, thinking it would cause the Oracle less fear. She saw Sidonia knew women could be as dangerous.

Zara tilted her head causing her braided brown hair with blonde streaks to dangle to her side, as she wondered who the female was that had caused this girl such mistrust. Zara’s warm brown eyes twinkled, as she grinned, “I am impressed. Endora, our Oracle, said you were running and will be afraid of us; it is nice to see you are armed for a fight.

She saw Sidonia’s frown, and clarified, “I imagined you were incapable of defending yourself. I guess I just expected to see frailness.” The dark princess nodded. Zara said, “We are here to ask for your help to find a lost, and likely hurt little boy. Will you come with us? Endora’s gift is not able to lead us to where he is; she said yours would.”

Rushed Reddirk said, “We are Ramblers. My wife, Endora told us you are from the Witch Island clan?” Sidonia nodded and saw the intricate stitching on their clothing. It was common to Ramblers in this realm. The older girl’s was more provocative, than she had ever seen. Sidonia asked, “Are you near here and which cauldron are you from?”

He nodded saying, “Bloody Stream, I know it sounds ghoulish. There is no blood, just a red colored hill and red dirt.” Sidonia saw evidence of it on their boots. Zara agreed, “The locals call it Bloody Stream, as it looks like blood. They let us buy the land as they are superstitious of it so they stay away, and we prefer our solitude anyway.”

Sidonia said tersely, “Why are you blocking your thoughts?” They both now untied a charm on a leather strap from their neck. Holding them so she could see the mark of the Ramblers on it first and then they let it drop. Sidonia gasped, “Oh dear, he is in dire need. I must warn you. If I come with you, it might lead the men and vampire, who are hunting me to your camp. It will endanger all, for one child.”

Reddirk replied in a serious tone, “It is worth the risk to us.” The princess nodded, “Very well, it is worth risking them catching me, to help you.” Her dagger turned back into a bracelet. Zara took off her cloak handing it to Sidonia, who frowned. Zara smiled, “I am your decoy.” They picked up their charms putting them back around their necks.

Seeing the rows of daggers about Zara’s waist, it reminded Sidonia of her older half-brother. The princess removed her cloak, handing it to her; then put on Zara’s cloak. Sidonia wished she had Zara’s confidence, skill, and muscle tone. Zara also had two scars on her face. One short scar was coming down from her lower lip.

The other longer scar was above her eye, still they did not distract from her beauty. The Rambler Zara wore a sleeveless vest and the blouse had slight sleeves, hanging down off the shoulder. It revealed a scar on her chest, above her exposed cleavage, and several more on her hands and naked arms. Zara pulled the hood forward to hide her face.

The princess laughed slightly to herself, at the idea of wearing Zara’s clothing. Glad she did not need to trade that as well, for it would bring the sort of attention that the young princess did not want. Sidonia did not feel envious of those experiences that she assumed Zara had with men.

Nor did the princess fault her, for Zara looked to be about five to ten years older than Sidonia was, so the princess felt that was usual, for someone who was older. She looked at Reddirk to sense if she could trust him. He was in his late thirties, yet seemed wise. She sensed he would be honest.

Zara sat down, as the dark princess warned, “One of the vampire’s men, named Weasel, tried to grab me at the last dock we stopped at. He was with two others earlier, one is quite large.” Zara assured her, smiling, “I would like that.” Sidonia had a shiver of fear for her seeking confrontations.

The Rambler ran her hands across her daggers, “I am capable of handling two or three men. Since it is not dark, I shall not have to test my skill against the vampire, as I hope you find the boy before nightfall.” Sidonia nodded, “I hope the Evil One does not find you nor me, risking others.”

Reddirk led her off the ferry as he said, “I have a Dark Door behind the bar,” Looking up at the sign, she mumbled, “Hangman’s Haunt. That is unusual, as well as an unpleasant name for a tavern.” They saw the Ferryman and the other passengers coming past her, heading back to the dock. Reddirk put his arm about her, until they had passed.

She was relieved when none of them bothered to even look at her. Then the Princess followed Reddirk as he walked through the trees towards the back, and he said, “The pub is named for a local legend.” His jaw tightened, “They hung a man five years ago from a tree back here.” Sidonia sensed the bad aura about the place and shuddered.

Reddirk continued, “Some say the man was innocent, of the murder. His wife died from a broken heart; she is the one who haunts this area still.” Sidonia sensed he knew the ghost as she questioned, “You saw her?” Reddirk nodded, “Three years ago, one dark night. I heard her crying first then she asked me to clear her husband’s name.”

Sighing with disappointment, Reddirk finished, “I was not able to find out anything useful.” He put his power-stone on the wall of the tavern, opening his Dark Door; they walked through entering their camp, out of a large tree trunk.

~~

Blackstone Castle, Day, 673, 28th, October

Prince Viktor felt worried after seeing Sidonia’s room was empty. He went through the secret passageways to the closest door. Then ran to Grekan’s room, opening it he saw the room was emptier than usual, and his big bag was gone. He imagined all the places that the clerk had gone. Viktor sighed, “I guess I will not need him to help me get a gift.”

Viktor went to the Library, he found it still locked, and now felt Grekan was gone as well. The prince was disappointed that he would not be able to have a birthday dinner with Sidonia. Yet he felt the danger about him and understood why she ran.

He rushed back to the secret panel, and went about the secret passageways, looking, listening, and spying on everyone, to learn what was happening.

~~

Rorik spent the next few hours helping the Witch pull nails, from the old coffins, and filled bags with the top dirt on the pile, which had been about the coffin. He sighed and wiped his face, “So will you open a Dark Door for me now?” She laughed, “Yer not done. Ya need to put all these coffins in their holes and pile the dirt back in. It has been makin’ me uneasy for a while now.”

He looked at all of the caskets, and groaned. She continued, “I do not want to risk anyone comin’ up here on a lark seein’ it, they might come for me.” He was tempted to hit her in the head with the shovel, and walk to the castle. Jacquelyn laughed darkly, “I know what yer thinkin’. Why

do ya think I carried the shovel clear up here?”

Jacquelyn snickered, “Yer payin’ in blood if ya kill me! I put it in all my hexes, if ya try to break it, not only will yer balls shrivel, yer pecker will fall right off!” Swallowing his fury Prince Rorik wanted to refuse to believe her, yet she had said those consequences, when she hexed him.

When it came down to it, Rorik was not willing to risk his family jewels. He went over shoving the first of over twenty-four coffins back in its hole, as the coffin collapsed he saw the skeleton. Gagging, the Prince hurried to cover it with the mound of dirt next to the open grave.

Rorik then realized just what sort of trouble he was in.

If anyone saw him here doing this dark deed, he would do time. Once the grave was filled up with dirt, Rorik moved on to the next. No longer taking his time, he hurried before someone saw what he was up to, while she sat and rattled on about her plans on the island. He grumbled to Jacquelyn, “I hope you are as good as you think you are, because I do not want to remember doing any of this, later.”

That included laying with her.

~~

Kolo’s Craftroom, Afternoon 673, 28th, October

As Kolo entered, they saw he carried blank paper, and a key. He heard them still bickering, and cursed, “Must I put up with you three troublesome witches? I am certain that you are all equally guilty of helping me.” They sniffed. The Egyptian gave them a snide grin. The two knew she was just rubbing salt in their wounds, flaunting her bit of freedom.

Yet it was short lived, as Nepathi got too dizzy to stand, and collapsed back into her seat. The three sat there weak, angry, and glaring at each other as they waited to find out what Kolo wanted from them, this time. Darciana looked about and wondered where Lola was, then asked the Egyptian, “What is in the bowl?”

Nepathi now sneered at them both, “None of your business.” Then Kolo went to stand before a locked bookshelf, he put the key in and opened it. He gazed at the rows of grimoires. Kolo took one down to thumb through it, and then put it back. Darciana wondered how weak he was.

As Kolo found a useful one, he set it on the small table that was near him. Darciana wondered what spell he was looking for. Then he continued to thumb through another, and the three witches lost interest.

~~

Princess Sidonia did not waste any time as she rushed to Endora, “I will do what I can.” She saw all their supplies, and grabbed a lantern, in case it got dark on them. Endora said, “Thank you for coming. We will follow you.” Sidonia rushed to the wagon the boy had left from.

She looked to see what he saw so she could follow him. Sidonia gasped and stopped at the edge of the woods. Reddirk asked, “Is he dead?” Sidonia shook her head as she pushed fears away. It worked to keep with the vision, as she walked on, she replied, “Regrettably I had a bad experience as a child in the forest. There were wolves chasing me.”

The princess shuddered, then added, “It interrupted my vision.” Endora shook her head, regretting they had to call on this young girl to help. Sidonia walked on saying, “The boy tried to follow his mother when she left, unfortunately, he was following someone else.”

Myrtle the boy’s mother asked, “Whom? I did not leave this way. I work in the town, at the trading post.” Sidonia did not want to admit it, “I think she was a Shade.” Myrtle asked, “What are

you talking about?” Endora hushed her, “We need to stay quiet, listen for your son, and do not ask her too many questions.” Myrtle nodded yet sobbed.

Endora sighed, “She must concentrate to keep the vision. She meant a Ghost. Shade is another name for Spirits.” Myrtle whimpered, “He followed a Ghost!” The princess added, “I do not believe Beatrix is malevolent, she is just mourning and lost. She needs and seeks closure, yet she did lead him off to force us to help her.”

Myrtle gasped, “Beatrix!” Reddirk said to the men, “Let us spread ourselves out on each side of the Oracle, as we walk, keep each other insight though, and listen for Charles.” Sidonia stayed focused as she led them into the dark woods. Even though she shuddered having a flash of the wolves chasing her, Sidonia shook herself.

Taking several deep breaths, the princess reconnected to her vision, seeing what he saw, as she followed Charles. Slowly it happened less often and she was able to hurry along as quickly as she could, to rush towards the lost boy.

~~

Samala said to her cousin, “I believe the Egyptian has no clue as to what is in the bowl.” Darciana nodded in agreement and Nepathi hissed, “I do so. In fact, I knew all about how you two caused each other’s capture and wondered which of you would finally realize the hand you both played in getting each of you here.”

Samala said in a bored tone, “Oh good for you, for being an insignificant fly on the wall.” Darciana huffed, “That only makes you the superior bitch.” Nepathi felt anger at this. Still, the Egyptian gave them a smug smile, until Darciana added, “Yet, clearly you are not the smartest witch here.” Nepathi snorted, “Keep lying to yourself if it helps.”

Darciana smirked, “If you were then Kolo would have simply used you to charm and hex his fucking jewelry! There would have been no need for him to seek another and find me to do it for him!” This stung Nepathi for she knew it was the truth. Samala liked seeing her cousin was more furious with the Egyptian for a change, than at her.

~~

Jonathon now felt hopelessly lost and saw a woman ahead of him about thirty yards away. He called out to her, “Miss, have you seen my son? He is missing and I fear he fell down a ravine. Do you know of one near here?” The woman had hesitated and then kept walking. Jon was angry now as he yelled at her, “I need your help!”

The indifferent woman continued. Jon yelled after her, “He is just a small boy lost and afraid!” She turned to face him, and he gasped, “Beatrix!” The Shade was suddenly in front of him so close he could have touched her as she hissed, “I needed help, and none of you would give it!” Jon pleaded, “I know. I am sorry.”

He explained, “Reddirk tried he could not find out anything about that man’s death, nor whom really killed him.” She sneered, “Man? He is my husband!” Jon had tears fall, “I am sorry. Please. If you help my son I will do all you ask of me, to help you.” She tilted her head, “You promise? In a solemn vow, that you will help me right this wrong?”

Jonathon took a deep breath as he then said, “Yes. I will do anything, for my son.” Beatrix said, “Kill the owner of the Hangman’s Haunt. He is the one who murdered his own wife, and blamed it on my William.” Jon gasped, “You want me to murder Clay? I have never killed anyone and it will trigger my curse. Can I just tell the sheriff?”

Beatrix shook her head, “No. I already did and he ignores me. Kill Clay and I will take those who are looking for your son to him. Fail me, and I will do worse than haunt you!” Jon gave

in, “I will. Please save Charles.” Jonathon ran towards camp, to get his axe and go to town. Beatrix got an angry smile, as she wisped off through the woods.

~~

Kolo came back with his stack of books, and a few scrolls, placing them near Nepathi. Bringing the top one to her, Kolo opened it to the page he had marked, and pointed at the spell as he said, “I think this one might be best for our situation.” Nepathi ran her finger down the listed items, nodding as she read the instructions.

She said, “Yes it will do for our first try.” Kolo sighed in relief, getting himself a blood drink. Then he locked up the left wrist of Darciana and Samala, clearing the empty carafes and cups. Nepathi went to the shelves slowly, dragging her chain along the stone floor.

Gathering a small cauldron, then the oil burner, and stone mortar with its pestle, the Egyptian brought them to the table. Kolo sat at the head of the table, in a chair equally as beautiful as his throne. Glancing up occasionally, he made notes on the paper, taking a drink as he remembered all Lola told him of bringing him to life. He wrote about their ordeal.

Still he watched Nepathi as she selected the needed things. Next, she came to the table with two cages and the basket Kolo had brought in. Then she sat for a moment getting her breath as she reviewed the list. Standing back up Nepathi took an open basket, to collect two bat wings, a live caterpillar, and she scooped two human eyes from a jar.

Then coming back, to the table she sat down heavily, on her heavy wooden chair. After catching her breath Nepathi informed him, “I do not see a large knife anywhere.” Kolo nodded, and went over to the cabinet unlocking a drawer. Samala huffed, “Finally. I thought if I had to endure the noise of that chain another second I might scream.”

The Egyptian hissed, “Imagine it about your throat, I would pay to hear that scream.” Kolo hesitantly sat the knife down by her, as Nepathi stared at the book. Samala watched the insect inch out of the basket and now giggled, “Your maggot is attempting to escape.” The Egyptian reacted by bringing down the knife, spiking it to the table.

Nepathi cruelly sneered, “It is hardly mine when I have been collecting them from between your legs each night.” Samala was deeply offended sniffing in her superior tone, “You are a Liar, and very crude.” Kolo scolded, “That was overly vulgar, and Samala was being helpful.”

The Egyptian replied, “Oh yes, protect your bloody queen. Honestly, do you really expect me to be pleasant, while I do you a favor, when I am suffering a rebirth?” Darciana rolled her eyes, “It is not a maggot. It is a bloody caterpillar-?” She was instantly silent as she looked at the gathered items for the spell with suspicion.

Kolo agreed with Nepathi, still he mocked, “No, I do not expect joy. Yet it would be nice if you could keep the insults out of the realm of disgusting. Must you three be troublesome Witches all the time?” Nepathi said in a hushed grumble, “It only bothers you because you desire her.”

Darciana now leaned over the table as far as her bindings allowed her to look past the items and see the book. Kolo grabbed the nearest scroll. As his eye lingered over it, he then reread it with a smile at the memory of when and where he had stolen it. Running his fingers lightly down the parchment, it brought him a strange exhilarated excitement.

Having something this precious and rare, was a decade long dream of his. Kolo grinned, knowing others did not have it. He felt like a king, who appreciated conquering new lands, and pillaging their riches. He believed that he was much smarter, and wiser than most he knew, as he was a scholar, in so many interesting subjects, that he was never bored. If only he had less obligations.

Kolo sighed, at the desire to be able to spend all his time on reading and seeking new treasures. He knew he did not have enough funds to keep up his hobbies, and would be required to go live in the Mystical Realm, if he were not part of Anthony’s group.

While the Mystical Realm had its appealing features, his money did not go as far there, and there were too many who had killing skills as well as powers that could rival his own. He preferred the safety of the Human Realm, and feeling as if he was the strongest species, around.

Kolo was a snob who liked being wealthier than his neighbors. There was also his collection, he could not leave them behind, nor risk taking them with just to go live in the Mystical Realm. Even Lola was hard to smuggle into the Realm Gate. He usually had to bribe the Devil not to take her from him. He felt a tear roll down his cheek.

~~

Sidonia stopped, as she was having a hard time seeing due to it nearing sunset. The shadows in the dark forest crept towards Sidonia and she felt like Kolo was creeping nearer with them. Reddirk called out both ways, “Halt! Halt!” She got a stick and lit it using Reddirk’s torch, then lit her lantern.

Closing her eyes, Sidonia saw what Charles had seen, now she looked for it about her. Myrtle moaned, “Can you go faster?” Sidonia sighed, “No. I am sorry I must find what he saw, to know where he went.” She identified what he saw, walking towards it. Reddirk yelled, “We walk forward! Listen for the boy!” Sidonia abruptly stopped, “Something is not right. Oh, she is coming to us.”

Reddirk yelled, “Halt.” Then he asked, “Who is coming?” Sidonia warned, “Beatrix is coming to us, she is seeking us. Everyone stay calm, she is angry, still I do not believe she intends us harm. I hope she will help us.” As they waited for a few moments, Myrtle begged, “Why are we waiting for her when my son is out there? It is getting dark!”

Suddenly Beatrix was before them, as she rushed through the group, screeching loudly as she went behind them. She grinned darkly at their screams, and then was annoyed, as she noticed the girl who led them was not startled by her. The Shade howled into Sidonia’s face, “Why do you not fear me?” Sidonia sternly replied, “I know Lola.”

Beatrix backed up, and nodded with respect. Sidonia quickly stated, “You made a deal with Jonathon.” The Shade hissed, “You are an Oracle?” Princess Sidonia nodded, when the others gasped at Sidonia knowing about it. The dark princess asked, “Will you do as you promised and lead us to Charles?” The shade wisped through them.

Sidonia saw that it was just to hear them scream. Beatrix came back to her and only replied, “You are on his path, I do not see that you need me.” Sidonia had fury in her tone, “You made a vow. You know where he is, and you know damn well we could travel faster following you. Or is it possible for you to bring him to us?” Beatrix shook her head.

She did not like admitting, “I have not learned to move objects, or I would have taken vengeance for myself!” Myrtle sobbed, “Please help me find my son!” Beatrix looked at them all then coldly accused them, “You all did nothing for me, just watched me suffer. Why should I do anything for you?” Sidonia said, “Reddirk tried. Jonathon is doing as you asked, “Will you keep your word or not?”

~~

After another sip, Kolo noticed Nepathi was mumbling rather than starting. He impatiently demanded, “Well, do you have everything?” She shook her head saying with uncertainty, “I did not see the rest. Ah, do you have graveyard dirt? These final things are very difficult to get.”

He snorted, “Why what are they?” Nepathi tried then said, “I-I cannot pronounce. I think these items are very rare poisonous plants, do you know whom might have them?” That comment had Darciana sitting back in her chair as she huffed darkly, “I thought so.” Kolo went to see the book.

Nepathi pointed to the final items, as he read it, Kolo grinned and then gasped with glee, “So it is, how perfect.” Two of the three Witches found his happiness odd, since he would not likely have it, nor even find a place to buy them. Kolo grabbed her basket as he said with dark glee, “It just so happens that I pride myself in being an expert on poisons!”

Samala glared, as Darciana’s, and Nepathi’s eyes went wide, then Kolo added, “So I have cultivated an outstanding selection.” Samala stated harshly, “Well that does not come as a surprise to me.” Darciana looked at her with curiosity as she frowned at her cousin.

Queen Samala finished, “Not since I just realized you murdered Gustav Tricker, my first husband, with your poisonous pie!” Kolo giggled like a mischievous little boy, “So I did. How fun it is to finally see your horror! Have I earned your respect?” He snickered, “Thank you for that golden look back, at a long ago sweetly dark memory. He did deserve it. Admit it you were secretly happy that he died.”

~~