WBM

  Chapter Sixteen

  Which Witch is Wickedest

  ~SV~

  River Road, After 3 AM, 677, 29th, October

  Andre remembers his trip to Skull Island. The Dark Princess whispers to Captain Astute, “Please have someone show them to their rooms. I have requests, I do not want them hearing.” Two vampires come forward, one offers, “We will see your guest and guards to their rooms while you finish speaking with our Captain. They can change out of their wet clothes before joining you in the dining room for a hot meal.” She nods to Grekan.

  The group leaves, yet Andre stops out of sight, as Astute gives her a mock-ish grin, thinking of the Princess when she visited on school breaks, making it her mission to disappear into the ruins and hide from her guards. Once the others had left the Hall, he asks, “And how can I help you, Princess?” Sidonia groans, “Tik insisted on accompanying us; however, he refused to follow any of my decisions, including crossing before dark.” He raises an eyebrow.

  Sidonia continues, “I should have followed my instincts and crossed without him, as he delayed us further by insisting on finding out about the lore of the Witch Island brothel.” Astute scoffs, with anger. To him it is a betrayal for this guard to show her such disrespect. She adds, “He did not return until near sunset, we were caught in the storm.” Astute questions, “Where is he?” Grinning, the Dark Princess has a light giggle, “Dead, at the Mighty Fall.”

  She sighs, “Again, Tik did not follow my command to remain silent, and stay on the path.” Captain Astute’s grin matches hers, as he chuckles, “Sounds like he deserved his death. How did he die?” The Dark Princess Tells Astute, “When the hail came, he forcibly pulled me toward a cell, claiming he was ‘protecting me from the hailstorm’. I warned him not to, saying more than once that the birds were deadly and even said they are territorial.”

  Sidonia finishes, “He insists he could clear it of the birds. As he went in demolishing their eggs to get the birds to leave, I raced back to the others, leading them towards the back gate.” Sidonia’s lips twitch with dark humor, “As he thought he won, he saw I was gone and came out trying to get us to come back. We saw a female Bandit Bird attack and kill him.” Astute’s jaw tightens. She adds, “A few dozen chased us as far as the Dread Forest.”

  Furious, she says, “It was life threatening to try to bring his body with us, so I ordered my guards to leave him where he fell, in the middle ground of Fall Prison.” Astute responds, “He has proved he is unworthy of his position.” She nods. Astute states, “I will send a squad to get him; they will take Tik to Wolf Mountain Castle’s healing room.” She smiles, “I turn his care over to you. I am afraid I see it is necessary to ask you for another favor.”

  His eyebrow comes up wondering what the mysterious Princess will ask, she grins wickedly, “I need that memory taken from my group.” Astute nods as she explains, “Please remove all memory of Tik coming with, I prefer my companions forget about Tik’s death. Instead, tell them we left Tik at Wolf Mountain Castle, after delaying us a long while. Tell them we waited until I received a note from Tik, saying he was staying.”

  Astute offers, “The Captain at Wolf Mountain needed his help.” Nodding, she sighs, “It is safer if they only recall the birds chasing us into the forest, yet nothing of Tik on Witch Island nor him dying at Fall Prison.” Frowning, Astute questions, “Why do you seek to protect his reputation?” Shaking her head, she explains, “Tik earned having it ruined. However, the guards and Grekan do not deserve his vindictiveness.” Astute groans, “I see.”

  Andre runs off catching up with the others. Astute grins at the Princess’s insight, as she adds, “I have seen him act on it far too often. Give orders for the Healers to tell Tik, once he wakes, of your decision to compel us. So, Tik knows we only recall that he stayed there at Wolf Mountain and are unaware of his death. It is important that Tik is told that the ruse is in place, and all accept that he stayed to assist the Captain at Wolf Mountain Castle.”

  She sighs, “I prefer that he assumes I am also unaware of his misstep.” Astute asks, “And your father?” She nods, “Send a missive of the truth. Father needs to be informed that Tik’s failure to listen took his own life.” Astute adds, “And it will take his strength.” Nodding, she smiles, “Please tell Father I am safe.” Astute’s grin shows his fangs, “It shall be done.” He leaves so rapidly that it seems he has disappeared.

  ~*~

  Half Moon Bay, After 3 AM, 677, 29th, October

  Sidonia is asleep in the Ferry, having a dream-vision of the Devil’s Woods Clan. This event happened three hours earlier, at 12:30 am on the 29th. Nicolas fumes, “What sort of ritual?” Coldly, Xiko grins, “For his kin, the families of his victims, and his killer, to prevent them turning into a Warg. The curse is a Dark Blood Magic Spell, which can infect others in their bloodlines, when blood is spilt. To break the vile curse, it requires these drastic measures.”

  Xiko says, “It is the only way to keep others from being infected with the Warg’s evil.” Nicolas says, “Well, now I know.” He flies off, and Xiko turns to his clan, “You heard him, we need to comply.” Xiko tells Wirf, “I am less concerned about Nicolas returning. I sensed he will avoid hunting the Warg, not wanting to risk his bite. My fear is that Kristopher is nearby. This delay has increased my dread of him attacking us!” Wirf nods his agreement.

  The men nudge Wink forward, he asks Xiko, “Can you tell us exactly where you are leading the clan?” Xiko groans, “Sorry, I thought everyone heard. Trina’s land, the Devil’s Woods, is by the Nauti Mermaid. My intent is to settle in the Black Forest afterward.” Wink says, “I, or we meant you did not ask us first and it is Strigoi territory! We feel Anthony Vlasac, where he is the leader of all vampires, will not welcome us there. We have had enough of-.”

  Wink sneers, “-their kind, and we should not be leaving! We feel we should risk Nicolas’s anger, hunt and kill Kristopher, not run off with our tail between our legs, leaving us all at risk.” Wirf admits, “I am no coward, and I do not care to be hunted like one. I sense him out there, watching us! But I agree with Xiko’s decision.” Some back away, not wanting to hunt the Warg. Xiko says, “It is dangerous to hunt tonight, better tomorrow in daylight.”

  Wink’s group disagrees, Xiko says, “If you want to hunt now raise your hand.” Wink sees Bert put his hand up, he shoves it down. The group has fear, as fewer are willing to hunt. Wisely, Xiko says, “You men will guard the caravan, be armed on horseback, watching for the Warg. Bert goes to his horse, his father pushes him to the wagon, “You drive.” Bert groans, “I want to hunt the Warg!” Xiko reassures the clan, “Once the women and children are safe in the barrier of Devil’s Woods, we can discuss the rest if you have ideas.”

  Xiko adds, “We believe Anthony’s territory is safest. I will go to the Castle, making him aware we are in his area, before his patrol finds us and informs him. It is the right way to do this.” Wink nods, “I agree. But doubt he will let us stay.” Wirf tells them, “I am aware of two Ramblers clans in his territory. The Satan’s Spit, and Deadman’s Shallows Clans.” Xiko says, “Anthony is likely to allow us there, over another vampire that we must travel days further to.”

  Many heads shake. Seeing, Xiko states, “Perhaps you are not aware that Anthony’s wife was born a Rambler, his step-son is full Rambler. Anthony’s daughter spent a decade in our Grand Rambqueen, Romina’s camp, as she is her great granddaughter. His youngest son is also half Rambler and of our kin’s blood.” There are gasps. Wink asks, “What if Anthony holds our curse against us!”

  Wirf says, “I do not see it affecting Anthony in the same way. The curse did have a lot to do with his wife and her clan, it was his wife’s mother who was attacked! Samala is the babe of questionable origins!” Xiko frowns at this news. Loudly, Trina says, “Rumor is, Samala died. Still, I am confident in Xiko’s plan, I saw none better. Anthony is devoted to his children and shall treat us as family, as long as we remain loyal to him. I see he needs reliable-.”

  Tired she adds, “-guards and faithful staff. We are lucky to arrive now, when he needs us most! I saw it would have been fatal for Xiko to try to keep anything from Nicolas.” Xiko adds, “I would rather risk showing up unannounced in Anthony’s territory, where at least it is also Trina’s land, than in another vampire’s area, who might have reasons to dislike us. Once at the Devil’s Woods, we will have time to discuss and vote.” The Warg moves closer to hear.

  Wink states, “I did not think of that, we could be in immediate danger elsewhere. Some do not require a reason to hate us or make us their slaves; Xiko’s way is best.” The clan all nod in agreement. Trina says, “Sometimes things just happen, which even I cannot foresee. My land is safest. It is too late in the year to go further into the mountains.” Xiko says, “We are all tired, and downhearted with Grigori’s and Trek’s murders.” They nod.

  Xiko finishes, “It is best to get to Trina’s land and try to support each other through this. It will help to mourn them tomorrow, as it will give us some peace, so that we might all heal from these losses.” Trina says in an exhausted tone, “If you are done debating it with our leader, we are ready.” Xiko agrees, “We need to get through the Dark Door immediately.” They nod, Xiko now checks to make certain each wagon in their caravan is lined up.

  Wirf asks Xiko, “I want to be with the men on horseback watching for the Warg Wolf.” Xiko nods, “If you can get someone to drive your wagon in, do it.” Xiko now carries Trina’s large stone, placing it near her dark door, as the ladies who will help her follow.

  ~*~

  Kolo’s Craftroom, 4 AM, 677, 29th, October

  Kolo fumes as Nepathi adds, “I gave you a bit of the pain you both deserve!” Kolo pushes the lever all the way, to shut her up, just as Nepathi wanted, and it pierces her heart. Nepathi smiles through the pain, as she bleeds out. It is quick, giving the Egyptian some peace in death. Lola looks down seeing the blood coming into the flower shaped pan beneath the Iron Maiden, “Oh that is what the pan is for!” Kolo kneels saying, “Yes. I wanted no blood wasted.”

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  He dips the cup in, drinking until he experiences Nepathi’s anger at him and suddenly feels her pain as though it were him. Collapsing to the floor, Lola comes out gasping, “What was that? Why did I see and feel her death?” Kolo groans, “Donatello cursed me as I killed him. It is causing me to feel the pain of those I kill.” Lola wants to scoff yet she asks, “How can we do it again, if you will feel it each time?” He slowly gets up, “You can do it.”

  Lola frowns, “So we wait until I am stronger.” He nods, “Or get the Witches to figure out how to break the curse.” The Evil One opens the Iron Maiden, releasing Nepathi. Carrying her to her tomb, he lays her in it. The twins then come into the Craftroom to stare at the two captives, as Lola mocks, “Which Witch was wickedest?” Kolo adds, “Which is the next Wicked Witch to feel the Maiden’s Torture?” Lola taunts, “Which Witch will be smartest?”

  The Shade smirks, “Skipping the torture and telling us where Sidonia and the book are?” Samala is restless, as she wants to be the one, but Rorik has failed to be ready. Lola turns to Kolo, “I think it is unfair to call our three just witches, as they are vampires also. Shall we call them Wit-pires or Vamp-itches?” Laughing, Kolo goes to his seat, “No, I do not care for either. But you are right.” Filling his cup, the Evil One begins, “When I was living in Rome-.”

  Darciana cut in with a groan, she rolls her eyes, sighing, “Oh goodie story time.” Kolo ignores her, “I needed a witch and was told of this kind called a Strix. I assumed it was the name of a local cauldron, like the Goths, Warlocks, Ramblers, Necromancers, or other types of witch groups. I thought Strix was just a witch.” Lola said, “Strix? You should have told me about this before.” Kolo only says, “When I found them, I scoffed at the idea.”

  Kolo smugly adds. “The male claimed, ‘We are both Witches and Vampires.’ I mocked, ‘Vampires have their own powers of course, but I need a true witch for a hex.’ He informed me more sternly, ‘We are both.’ Well needless to say, I apologized and left.” Lola mocks, “You were afraid, as they were a double threat!” He sniffs, “I am wise. I do not approach if I do not have the ability to best them. Yes, I prefer to have power over a witch.”

  ~*~

  Warlock Camp, Witch-Shade, Crimson vs Fury, 677, 29th, October

  The Warlock Fury, gasps in horror at his teammate being put in the Goths Spirit Bottle, “How the Demons?” Fury recalls he did not re-mark his jar. Too shocked, the Warlock is unable to keep his head in the fight. The Goth team comes full force as Crimson and Malevolent give him a head butt to his gut that knocks the wind out of Fury and it tosses the Warlock backwards onto the ground. This has the crowd, even the Warlocks’ supporters yelling with delight.

  The Warlock tries to get up, rolling onto his side; slowly he stands up, just as the Goth team rush over giving him several rapid hits to the gut, and the face, which were all done in unison with Crimson’s and Malevolent’s fists. Fury goes down. The Goth team stands over the reigning champion, watching him struggle to push himself up to sit. The Ringmaster starts to count, until Fury makes it to his feet, the count stops. Fury realizes he must fight them alone.

  It causes the Warlock to stumble backward, and Fury goes down, it takes three counts before he gets to his knees. Fury decides he cannot win without Slaughter, so he does not try to stand. The Fightmaster counts, getting to seven he shouts, “We have a new champion!” The crowd roars. He announces, “The Goth Team of Crimson with Malevolent… have won the event and title, of the Lord of the Fight!” The crowd goes wild, cheering and shouting.

  ~*~

  Dark Elf Desert Castle, After 4 AM, 677, 29th, October

  The Light Elf King talks in circles, dangerously ignoring the Dark Elf King’s threats, “I find it regrettable that my son’s love of your dear daughter has caused you distress, and I can assure you that he will make her a fine husband. This glorious union shall greatly benefit all.” He uses his hands waving them in circles as he talks, “As the wealthy seek the blessing of increasing their bloodline by your women who will bear our children.”

  Blindly the Light Elf King goes on, “Our Elders will welcome their new babies into their rich homes.” Not seeing Haldir’s anger, Bailey can only think of the picture he paints and the Elders who gave him money. Our Elders will infuse your people with much needed coin too and it will in turn fill your own coffers, making life better for all here. In this future, you will have a smile, when your daughter visits bringing your grandchildren.”

  Haldir feels his people’s poverty is an insult to his abilities, hating Bailey saying it. Haldir says to Edmund, “Where is Anthony?” Edmund shrugs, as though he does not care. Haldir looks to Ormando who replies, “I have not heard from him, yet you can assume he has pressing business and will join us as soon as it is completed.” Haldir asks Bailey, “Where is your wife?” The Light Elf King looks to her empty seat. Bailey had just noticed, and gasps.

  Bailey huffs as if it is of no importance, “She was overly disturbed about something and went for a walk. She may have returned to our quarters. I think some sleep will improve her mood. We do not need her here to conclude our business. In fact, we do not need Anthony either.” The Dark Elf King disagrees, and stands, “We will recess. I will send word to you when I am prepared to continue.” The Vampires hear Haldir tell his guards to search the Castle for them both. Edmund goes to Ormando, “Well, what do you think of that; coincidence or not?” Ormando chuckles, “Definitely not.”

  ~*~

  Trina sits by the petrified tree, at her Dark Door. Xiko places the larger power stone against it, she holds her crystal at arm’s length touching the power stone, to project an opening in the middle of the road. Five ladies stand, holding hands to form a star around Trina. Seven more stand to hold hands, making a circle around the five, enlarging the opening for the wagons. Xiko is on his horse leading them through the long door to exit into the Devil’s Woods.

  He has them park far in and near to each other, then leaves Wink in charge of parking the rest as he heads back into the Dark Door to make sure the rest of the caravan keeps coming. As half of the caravan has entered the Dark Door, a wagon suddenly stops. Xiko goes toward the doorway and finds the horses are spooked. He grabs the reins of the nearest horse, pulling it forward. The team of horses then begin to race in, Xiko finds it odd.

  Until he realizes why they might be spooked. He rushes back into the Dark Door. The ladies holding the Dark Door open begin to hear the snapping of twigs near them, Trina fears they will run, “Do not break formation! It could be deadly if it closes.” When they see movement in the dark shadows, they scream, “Wirf, come.” “The Warg is here!” “Help, the Wolf is here!” Wirf hears, riding towards them. Trina cautions, “We must keep the Dark Door open!”

  She urges, “If it closes, any of our clan inside it will be lost between here and there, or killed!” Wirf is nearly to them as Krist the Warg Wolf comes out of the trees, running for Trina. Holding the crystal to the stone with her right hand, Trina tells the women, “Sit, but do not break your hold.” Trina stands, making the sign of the Satan’s Pitchfork with her left. Green mist comes over her three raised fingers. Trina is ready as she watches the Warg run at her.

  Its glaring eyes give her no doubt he intends to kill her.

  ~*~

  Kolo adds, “It is rare to be both Witch and Vampire. I also know it is discouraged by most witch cauldrons and covens. They even believe and spread the rumor that you lose your magic if you become a vampire; I have proved that is a lie. The witches say it, just to keep their blood lines pure. I have succeeded three times, and if you did not fear it Lola, you could be one too, dear sister.” His twin wants the sun and she hates the idea of drinking blood.

  Lola disagrees, “I think being a vampire caused your witch side to be less potent.” Kolo argues, “Even when we were children, you were still stronger at magic. The difference is our blood. It is part of what infuriated mother into hitting me.” Lola moans, “True.” Glaring at Darciana Kolo says, “So my little Strix, where is the book, or is it the Maiden’s Torture for you also?” Lola insists, “Samala needs to pay for sending you to the graveyard!”

  He says, “It was the Rambler’s Grimoire, and Spell, yet she did not warn me!” Darciana states, “I copied the Spell from my Mum’s book and it did not explain what nor why we needed the Grave Dirt, or we would have told you where it sent Lola’s Shade. Read it again yourself if you do not want to believe me.” Lola huffs, “Samala failed to help us; it is her turn to bleed!” He takes Darciana anyway, once the Iron Maiden pricks her skin he stops.

  Kolo recalls that it will cause him to feel her death. Unaware, the Rambler is fearful, now knowing this torture will kill her.

  ~*~

  The elderly woman’s long sharp prongs come out thirty feet before her. Trina now thrusts it over the huddled women, as the Warg Wolf launches himself at her. Trina manages to hit him just right, tossing Kristopher back twenty feet onto the ground. The Warg is stunned as it comes to, looking at the women who are unharmed. The Wolf intended to take Trina from them, and keep the clan here. Slowly, Krist gets up shaking himself, he is sore but not bleeding.

  As Kristopher the Warg Wolf decides to come at her again, he leaps at Trina. Her mist, Satan’s Pitchfork, is fading as it hits the Warg Wolf and she still manages to toss him. This time she has thrown the Warg at a tree, the Wolf crashes into it falling and is dazed. Standing up, Krist hears the horses nearing. The Wolf snickers at Trina’s weak magic, running into the dark before Xiko and Wirf can arrive. Her mist fades, and she sinks to the ground.

  The women are screaming and gasping, as Trina still holds her crystal to the Power Stone. Xiko was unable to shoot an arrow or even throw one knife, as he is on the other side of the caravan and could not risk going between the fast-moving wagons. He had to go around the whole line. Wirf says to the ladies and Xiko, “I was checking the woods, when I heard your screams. I will stay with the women; you can keep the wagons moving.” Xiko hugs Trina first.

  He looks around, seeing that none of Winks men are here.

  ~*~

  Darciana now sees she should have attempted to sound useful. She had not guessed that this torture would drain her blood. Darciana fears if she dies the Hex she did on the Mad Queen will not last. Kolo has stopped not wanting to feel Darciana’s death; he lets go of the Iron Maiden’s lever. Lola says, “Why not make the terror linger longer?” Kolo grins, “I was thinking the same thing. Let us go sleep. We will have more blood and joy when we wake.”

  As they go through the Craftroom, Kolo sneers at Samala, “Find your daughter before we return, or you will share the other two Strixes’ fates, in my new device!” Samala decides it is time to bargain. However, as the queen tries, she finds she can only mumble odd sounds, not clear words. The Mad Queen is unable to open her lips. The twins fail to notice and exit the Craftroom, going to sleep. Samala’s eyes are wide in horror, assuming her cousin is dead.

  Samala is furious, believing she is stuck like this until Darciana comes back to life to release the hex. Samala thinks, ‘I know which Witch is the wickedest; Darciana is! She hexed me!’

  ~*~

  Hesitating, Xiko asks Trina, “Are you alright to continue?” Trina says, “I must. If I let go, the doorway will not remain open for long. Once I move away from the petrified tree, it will only remain long enough for me to exit on my land. I doubt I can keep it open much longer past me, reaching the Devil’s Woods ground. Perhaps a little longer if the women help me, I have never tried.”

  He gets on his horse, as Trina says, “If I had been at full strength, the Satan’s Pitchfork would have pierced Krist’s flesh and killed him, rather than only tossing him.” Xiko tells her, “You did well! I will hurry the clan along; most have made it already, so it should not take much longer for you to all keep this dark door open.” Trina says, “Do what you can. We cannot risk any of us staying here, with no protection, nor afford another delay.”

  Xiko sees the caravan has halted again and rides into the Dark Door to learn why; it appears to be on the other side. He goes in coming out in the Devil’s Woods, seeing Bert is arguing with Wink about where to park their wagon. Xiko yells for them to get out of the way, they obey. He rides back through, and once the end of the caravan enters the doorway, Xiko rides to the women, “The last are about to exit.” Trina says, “Tell us once they are through.”

  She looks to the women making the circle saying, “Then the seven can let go and run into the doorway. After you are out the five will go.” The women nervously nod, worried she will not be able to hold it open long enough for them to get through. Xiko calls, “They made it.” The circle of seven women now let go. Trina hears the snaping of twigs and feels the Warg Wolf is coming again.

  ~WBM~