Enchantress

by Christine Schumaker

  He grinned and said, “I blame Azrael and not you-he preyed on your innocence. That was underhanded. I am still of a mind to proceed without him. Unfortunately his fighters will answer to only him.”

  “I must admit, I am surprised my opal did not stop him,” Serese touched Forn’s cheek and he kissed her. Then he murmured, “Perhaps it already knew I would.”

  Lord Forn slapped Jonathan’s back, “It smells delicious—what game did you catch for us?”

  Jonathan grinned, “I crept upon a pheasant, which I caught unawares,” as he poked the plump fowl on a spit with his dagger, testing the meat for tenderness. The surprising scent of onion accompanied the fragrant smell and Jonathan guessed their thoughts when he offered, “I snatched a couple of onions from her garden. You needn’t look so surprised at my culinary skills. I was the youngest of four boys. My mother put me to use in the kitchen.”

  Lord Forn chuckled, “We are grateful to your mother, Jonathan.”

  The blood drinkers did not partake of any of the fowl but they carried leather wineskins from which they discreetly sipped. They were silent as they sat around the fire, and several of them stared at Serese with accusation in their dark eyes. She glared hotly back at them.

  Serese could not bring herself to look at King Azrael who sat off to the side by himself; but she could feel his eyes on her. Thankfully, her heart no longer stirred in his presence. Whatever connection was there had been broken.

  Lord Forn poured more wine for Serese. Jonathan noticed the tension among the royal members of their military party. “What did I miss while out hunting?” The shepherd asked as he glanced at Serese. The princess motioned to King Azrael. Jonathan raised his eyebrow in surprise, shaking his head as she whistled another naughty tune.

  Lord Forn glared at King Azrael. The Night Dweller King narrowed his dark eyes at her betrothed. Both of the men had a grudge against the another. Jonathan wondered what had caused this sudden rift. Then it dawned on him that the princess must feature in this new drama being played out before him.

  The warriors sat stonily silent, frowning with disapproval at Serese. Jonathan cleared his throat, as if to say something, but then he thought better of it.

  The tension in the cave covered them like a dense fog of anger. Even Sir Roan remained silent, his tail swishing in aggravation, his eyes fixed on King Azrael.

  Serese set her drumstick on a plate. “This has gone on long enough. I am not plunder to be fought over by either of you. We ought to focus on a battle strategy, instead of throwing dark looks at one another.”

  “I have spent years being bitter over the loss of my queen. It is my desire to remain friends with you; I hope my selfishness has not ruined that chance. Do you forgive me, my lady?” King Azrael turned his tormented eyes to Serese.

  Serese ran her fingers through her hair and sighed. She rolled her eyes and glanced heavenward. “I forgive you then.”

  “I will never forget your mercy, my lady.” King Azrael rose from the corner and bowed before Serese. The princess tapped her boot heel, “Enough. Have you any ideas on how I shall defeat Serpentine?”

  Jonathan’s thick eyebrows rose at this exchange between the princess and the blood drinking king. He knew Serese had an irresistible appeal; he should have expected the immortal to fall under her spell. Why, he loved her himself; she made a man want to possess her. So, the Night Dweller King had obviously made his move and Lord Forn had countered and won.

  King Azrael said, “Serpentine will have a particle of softness in her heart for her double-crossing son. We will use this weakness against her.”

  “Serpentine will not be so easily deceived. I have chosen Serese over her. She planned my destruction before I escaped.” Lord Forn said as he joined Serese on the wooden bench. She smiled when he possessively placed an arm around her shoulders. A move which did not escape King Azrael’s notice.

  “But you will convince her otherwise when you offer her Serese as a peace token. After you are ushered inside, Serese need only toss the liquid onto Serpentine and she will die.” King Azrael continued.

  “Serpentine will suspect it is a trap. She is not so easily fooled.” Lord Forn countered.

  King Azrael thought for a moment, “Perhaps I could offer you both to her in exchange for a glance at her forbidden volumes. Everyone knows Night dwellers are interested in the mystical arts.”

  “Serpentine already knows your kind can be corrupted. Several of your renegades have pledged themselves to her,” Lord Forn said.

  King Azrael raised his eyebrows at that, “Then it is decided. Serese wears my former queen’s attire and she bears my bite marks on her neck. The evidence is there to see.”

  Lord Forn scowled and said, “I will not offer Serese as bait.” He paced angrily and the Night Dweller King placed a hand on his shoulder. The Lord paused and the immortal ruler asked, “The ancient seers have conferred the task upon Serese; who are you to interfere with their plans?”

  “If one of us must die, I would rather it be her,” Serese said, “This plan may very well succeed.”

  Lord Forn kissed Serese gently on her forehead. He brushed a curl out of her eyes as he said, “I cannot lose you; I could not bear it.”

  Jonathan spoke, from the fire, “If I were King Azrael, I would present Lord Forn as a peace offering. Serese’s skills make her worth keeping. No man or night dweller would give her up. The sorceress will realize that.”

  The shepherd was right, of course; their plan would only be convincing if King Azrael kept Serese and offered up Lord Forn. The sorceress wanted to exact her revenge upon her rebellious stepson. Serpentine would be thrilled to have him in her clutches again.

  Lord Forn suggested, “I could claim to have overthrown Azrael’s rule and offer him. That would leave Serese out of danger.”

  Serese pointed out, “You are forgetting, my Lord, that I am destined for this danger you would protect me from. It does no good to deny it, not when my opal grows warm.”

  Serese held the gemstone away from her neck; the heat radiating from it sent a throbbing pain to her throat. She released it quickly. But still it burned her chest and she cried out. She dropped to her knees and the fiery opal glowed with red heat. She could not even grab hold of the chain to pull it away. Her bosom peeled from the heat of the chain.

  The stone tried to relay a message but Serese did not know if she could receive it. This vision differed from her previous ones.

  King Azrael came and held the opal away from the princess. She breathed a sigh of relief as the burning ceased. Serese waited while the Night dweller king stood next to her, gazing into the stone’s swirling surface. A vision formed:

  A stunning woman lay in a heap on a stone floor. Her long tresses pooled like black silk around her. King Azrael lifted the beauty into his arms. He kissed her passionately until she returned his kisses. Then he bit her neck, drinking of her and he bit his wrist and she drank of him.

  The vision faded and the opal became milky violet with indigo specks. A quiet unassuming gemstone once again. Serese let it fall against her bosom once more.

  Serese said, “That is my Aunt Serafine; she would be a suitable match for you. Will you rescue her?”

  “My dear girl, I said I would serve you and your ancestors for eternity. I will fight with you; then I will awaken my bride. Your opal is merciful and has relieved me of my loneliness. I dare not risk its displeasure.”

  “I shall hold you to your word then,” Serese grinned. “My Aunt Serafine will keep you on your toes, my lord. She is quite an accomplished enchantress and will not bend easily.”

  * * *

  The evening of the attack had arrived. Serese could not eat a bite. Under cover of deep night, Serese and her night dweller “husband” walked out of the cave, escorting a bound Lord Forn between them. The vote had been cast. It seemed King Azrael’s plan had been the wisest one. Jonathan and Sir Roan accompanied them but they would not enter the castle. The shepherd would provide prote
ction from the high rocks for his arrows would prove a formidable defense. Sir Roan and his fellow wolves had been assigned the role of herd dogs, which did not sit well with him. Having been gifted by the elves with astonishing spit, he knew his pack would want a chance to extract their own vengeance. Words would need to be exchanged with this commandeering Night dweller king. Sir Roan would find a way to make his request known.

  The evening of the attack had arrived. Serese could not eat a bite. Under cover of deep night, Serese and her night dweller “husband” walked out of the cave, escorting a bound Lord Forn between them. The vote had been cast. It seemed King Azrael’s plan had been the wisest one. Jonathan and Sir Roan accompanied them but they would not enter the castle. The shepherd would provide protection from the high rocks for his arrows would prove a formidable defense. Sir Roan and his fellow wolves had been assigned the role of herd dogs, which did not sit well with him. Having been gifted by the elves with astonishing spit, he knew his pack would want a chance to extract their own vengeance. Words would need to be exchanged with this commandeering Night dweller king. Sir Roan would find a way to make his request known.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Sir Roan, who had been pacing before the fire, suddenly lifted his nose and whined in the back of his throat, as he ran to the entrance. His actions were not unnoticed. Serese and Lord Forn made to follow, but King Azrael blocked them, “It is not safe. The scent of goblins and trolls is prevalent. It would be better if you waited here for the other wolves to return.”

  They reluctantly waited before the flames. Serese finished her wine, “I am thankful the wolves have made it back to us. I cannot wait to see if they have brought reinforcements.”

  Jonathan said, “I do not expect the faerie queens to join our fight. I hope you are not pinning your hopes on them.”

  “How can you believe that when Aurelia came to our aid? She blew those goblins which ambushed us after we crossed the lake—to kingdom come.” Serese added.

  Jonathan replied testily, “I am entitled to my opinion, your majesty.”

  “Please cease that bickering, you two remind me of litter mates squabbling over the last piece of meat. With Azrael and his fighters, we shall not require additional support.” Lord Forn paced before the fire as he drained his wine in one gulp.

  Sir Roan trotted back into their midst, leading five wolves. The night dweller soldiers watched as the wolves gathered around their own king. It seems they too, were not overly familiar with the enchanted lupines.

  Sir Masland reported, “We ran into trouble with a band of trolls but we attacked their legs until they fell to the ground. Then we breathed on them. They should still be sleeping now. Sir Townsley lost half of his tail, where a troll blade sliced it,” and the dark wolf gestured to a brown wolf. The injured wolf proudly wagged his stump even as his golden eyes were regretful.

  “We came upon goblins but we stayed downwind of them. They did not discover us. We passed King Argot’s army; he is eager to join our fight since-” and here the black wolf paused as he glanced at Serese.

  “What is it?” she asked, for she could see the wolf’s troubled expression.

  Sir Masland lowered his head and said, “I am truly sorry for the loss of the Duchess Claudine Cardwell. Serpentine murdered her. It is believed that Claudine uttered a protective spell, sparing the rest of the castle.”

  Serese gasped and dropped her wine goblet which shattered on the cave floor, “Oh, I feared this might happen. I sensed something dreadful had happened to Claudine. I thought of her the morning I met Perseus. Remember, my opal had grown warm while we were in the woods? Why did it not save her?” Serese dropped to her knees as tears trailed down her cheeks.

  Sir Roan approached her, “I am sorry princess. Perhaps Claudine’s time had come. The opal acts of its own will, even when it confounds us.”

  Serese asked Sir Masland, “How is my mother?”

  “She is grieving most dreadfully but she protects your keep. Your father camps nearby.” The wolf answered as Serese stood again to her feet, leaning on Lord Forn’s arm.

  “How is my father?” Serese asked.

  “He is camped in the woods on the other side of Serpentine’s castle. We should meet him on the morrow’s evening, I should think. He is thankful you are still among us.”

  “Thank you, Sir Masland, I need a few moments. Please excuse me,” and Serese sat behind a curve in the cave wall. Her hatred for Serpentine threatened to consume her; she would relish seeing her aunt die an agonizing death. It would give her great pleasure to dispense it.

  Her charm began to change temperature again. Serese irritably grabbed it, as within its surface, a shape emerged. It was the delicate figure of the Water Faerie Queen Arianna, who viewed Serese with disappointment. She unfurled her wings and said, “Beware of the emotions in your heart, Serese. You must forgive your aunt and find pity for her. Remember, your love for Forn will lead to her destruction, not your hate,” and Arianna fluttered away.

  Arianna had seen inside her heart and had chastised her. Serese knew that Arianna had spoken the truth; how had she ever thought the faerie queen innocent and young? The queen seemed to hide the wisdom of the ages in her girlish appearance.

  Serese asked the Great Father for strength to overcome her desire for vengeance. She would hold on to a bit of her anger, if only because it chased away some of her fear. But Serese joined the others with her head held high and with a new determination in her step. Tomorrow, she would face her greatest enemy and she must find the strength within to continue on, even when she wanted to retreat into the caves and hide.

  It crossed her mind that she could throw herself at the dragon rumored to reside in the cave’s secret passages. But alas, she was the violet rose, the last in line and the hopes of all of her people rested on her. Self-pity and fear must recede until a more opportune time.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  For lack of a better plan, the lupines were assigned to nip at the heels of the trolls who kept watch over the great gate. Hopefully, the dreadfully large trolls would not notice them for the wolves would scamper between their legs, well below their natural gaze. It would be a fine plan as long as they could avoid being trampled by the trolls’ ungainly feet.

  An emissary had visited, relaying that King Argot and his men-at-arms would surround them. They would create a barrier around the battle, focusing on eliminating the men who fought for Serpentine. It was likely Serpentine’s men would seek escape in the mountain, where they would think themselves hidden. But, King Argot commanded the best archers within three kingdoms; their skill would take out the sorceress’s men. Jonathan hoped to learn new strategies from them. Of course, he would need to survive this battle. From the looks of Serpentine’s men encamped around the castle, Serese’s father would have his work cut out for him.

  The Night dweller warriors followed immediately behind the princess and her captive. The moon cast its pale light on their regal features as they carried themselves like stealthy panthers. No weapons were required by them but their teeth had been sharpened to points which protruded from their mouths. Indeed, they gracefully sauntered through the rocky landscape around the dark castle.

  They proceeded quietly until they stopped before the Iron Gate at the front entrance. Lord Forn sighed as he saw the tower in which he had been raised. It appeared deceptively quiet but he knew his stepmother had concocted an unsavory battle plan against them.

  He had thought he had left the tower behind him for good. Yet, here he was again, offering himself up like a partridge, the only thing missing were the dried berries in his mouth. If this plan did not succeed, he would wish for the clean death of a trussed-up fowl.

  The sorceress’s men were camped on the barren land behind the fortress and their multitude overwhelmed Jonathan. He eagerly readied his bows, wondering how long his replenished supply would last. The presence of the Night dweller warriors helped alleviate his fears; they were nearly unstoppable. Of co
urse, having the good king’s army at his back offered a modicum of comfort, he could not deny that. Still, Jonathan perused the great mass of fighters surrounding the castle. They would never believe him, back in his village.

  There were trolls, goblins, ghouls, cruel men and other unknown foes which remained behind the visible flanks of Serpentine’s evil army. The fortress rose like an angry claw out of the ring of malicious mischief makers.

  Jonathan sighed as he swallowed the lump in his throat. Jonathan grudgingly admitted that Serpentine had come up with a brilliant strategy; the arrangement of her warriors had been done to inflict the most damage in the least amount of time.

  If Azrael and Jonathan’s plan did not succeed, Serese and her dueling lovers would be torn to pieces by the trolls. If the hideous trolls did not finish them off, the goblins waited underfoot to finish the deed. If the goblins failed, the ghouls hovered near the castle embankment to suck them dry. Truly, if a miracle were to occur and they survived the ghouls attack, then the men hidden high in the mountain would rain down arrows on them and dispatch them to the kingdom in the sky. Jonathan shuddered to realize how fraught with peril their plan in actuality was proving to be. They ought to have thought of another means of attack, one more sound.

  The wolves waited next to King Argot’s archers, ready to inflict their bites. Serese’s father had brought his spearmen with their leather and iron shields to the back gate. He still had not seen his youngest girl. He could do nothing now but pray; he had raised his chosen child as a knight. Her mettle would be proved this night.

  Eagerness pervaded King Argot’s men; finally, they would have their chance for revenge. Many of them had seen their wives and girls stolen by Serpentine’s fallen Night dwellers; their crops eaten by Serpentine’s mortal soldiers; their horses devoured by Serpentine’s trolls. For too long, they had been pawns in the sorceress’s hands until they were weary of it.