The Count of Wolf Blood Castle

by Laurelle Lewis

  He said it was a job that could take quite a while and that you would be compensated with an income, a living quarters and food.

  'By the will of Epp!' Annika exclaimed. 'You mean to say I've been employed by a family of…of…'

  'Now Annika, there is no proof that they are…'

  'Forget it!’ Annika screamed. 'I won't need food and lodging because they'll eat me soon as I get there!'

  Mrs. Seifert had expected this reaction, so she just nodded and listened to her concerns. 'Why don't you think about it? The job does not start for at least three weeks, that will give you time to finish school and make up your mind.'

  'What about the internship? What about Epp?'

  'Perhaps you are being called by the Heavens to another path.'

  'Or someone's dinner plate…' Annika mumbled.

  'I know this is not an easy thing they ask of you, but it could be an amazing opportunity. Think of the reference you would receive after working for such an infamous, yet noble family! You don't have to forget about Epp. If you get it, you can defer the internship for a year.'

  Annika nodded as she listened. 'Okay, well I'm just really surprised, Mrs. Seifert and a little scared!'

  Her Headmistress smiled sweetly, empathically—she had watched Annika grow from a small girl into the woman she was becoming. She had seen the determination she applied to her studies and dreamed of creating a life for herself. Unlike most of the other girls here at the school, Annika missed out on so much: no family holidays, except occasional visits to Florina's family home and some of the other girls’ homes.

  'Take this letter, Annika, from Eduard to you. Read it and tell me what your decision is in the morning.' Looking closely at the envelope, Annika could see that on the back of it there was a wax seal. It contained the imprint of a wolf’s head with an inscription in the old language.

  'How bizarre…' she muttered to herself, tracing the seal with her finger. Something about the image sparked a flash of a memory, something so familiar, yet just out of her reach and in a split second it was gone. Annika wasn’t really sure if she’d even remembered anything at all. 'No, Mrs. Seifert, I'll read the letter now—and I'll give you my answer now—I'm not one to back away from a challenge.'

  Mrs. Seifert smiled to herself. This was the Annika she knew! The letter read as follows:

  Dear Miss Annika Acklin,

  My name is Eduard Baertschi. I have worked my entire life on a project that I was hoping to have completed before I was old; to have it complete within my lifetime. I have written to your Headmistress to ask for her brightest and most gifted student to help my nephew piece together and finish this project.

  I would be eternally grateful if you would take on this job, you will be paid a wage each week, given a luxurious room to live in while the work is being completed, waited on by servants and will be able to eat with my family and have all food provided during your stay.

  Please find enclosed a one-way ticket to our home via the Talir Faye Rail. My nephew looks forward to your visit and meeting you in person. Once you arrive at the station, you will be greeted by one of our servants.

  Faithfully Yours

  Eduard Henri Baertschi

  Annika wondered what clandestine project the old man could have possibly cooked up that required the help of a schoolgirl. Something in her though, knew she had to find out. She couldn’t explain it, but it was as if some deep yearning in her knew she needed to go. 'I will take the job,' Annika informed her Headmistress.

  ***

  The weeks flew by for all the other girls at The Sacred Sisterhood School of Callibria. For Annika, though, they seemed like an eternity. Her imagination was running wild with worry and excitement. The more she thought about it, the more she wondered what it would be like to escape the confines of school and go out on an adventure all of her own.

  There was little time, though, for too many fanciful thoughts, as the last few weeks were crammed with their final exams. Florina had been stressing all year about this, her father and mother expected her to perform well—they did not delude themselves though—it was her brother who would make a name for himself, but Florina would marry well, and her education would be good enough. She might be able to gain employment with some influential friends and have some experience in the real world before she was required to take on her family duties.

  Annika felt sorry for Florina, she had dreamed of being a Dressmaker and travelling to Kirea, the same place Annika's expensive coat had come from—but with her family's low expectations of her, she wondered if her friend would be able to.

  Annika sat quietly in one of the gardens trying to read her potions book, it didn't matter how many times she read it, the words just seemed to float through her brain and back out into the atmosphere. A tall, raven-haired girl plonked herself down beside her.

  'Don't worry,' she smiled devilishly. 'All that study won't help that much— you know Sacred Sister is mine. I don't think they give internships to orphans.'

  Annika looked up to see Briette Baumgartner. 'Or to Whores of Osirin,' Annika shot back, referring to an ancient legend.

  'I'd rather be a whore than a virgin,' Briette snarled. Annika rolled her eyes. It didn't matter what you said to Briette. She was rich, beautiful and betrothed to Prince Bastien of Thraxia. She believed she deserved it all, and she hated Annika for even being in line for the internship.

  Briette didn't even what the internship was because she was counting down the days when she would be a princess, but she just wanted the glory of being the Sacred Sister of the Year. She also hated Florina for some reason. They had been friends when they were children, and then Florina and Annika had developed a friendship after a strange day in the woods had torn Florina and Briette apart—although Florina had never told Annika what had happened.

  Florina saw Briette and started to turn the other way, when Briette jumped up and called to her, 'It's okay you can have your friend back…her parents didn't even want her, so I sure as Dragon’s fangs don't think Epp does either!'

  'That's it, you horrid newt!' Annika cried, as she leapt from her seat and grabbed a fist of raven black hair. 'Leave my hair alone!' Briette screamed. 'I've just had it treated with water from Mermaid Cove!'

  'They should have dunked you in the cove and drowned you!' Annika pushed Briette to the ground. 'I'm sick of your insults. Why are you such a viper?'

  Briette saw the intensity in Annika's eyes—it was clear she'd hurt her. Briette decided to stop. She pushed Annika back and jumped to her feet.

  'If you please, don't touch the future Queen.' With that she walked off.

  ***

  Back in their dorm, Annika went over the incident again with Florina, who just nodded sadly as if she didn't expect any better from someone like Briette. 'You know she hates you over this Sacred Sister business.'

  'Does she?' Annika asked suspiciously.

  Florina turned away. Once, she and Briette had been so close, and even for a brief moment a few years ago, Briette had turned for her for help, only for Florina to discover she had been using her. A few tears trickled down her face, and she quickly changed the thought.

  Chapter Three: Graduation

  The weeks flew by, and the halls were brimming with the chatter of excited girls looking forward to graduation. Most of the girls were excited for the end of year dance, but not Annika. Not that she minded dressing up, but she was more concerned with winning Sacred Sister and that internship in Epp. She'd decided after her talk with Mrs. Siefert that if she won, she would delay it for a year. Then she would travel to Epp after her work at the castle.

  Annika had begun to wander through the halls of the school more slowly now as if to take in every last detail, to burn it into her memory forever. After all, this had been her home, not just her school. Mrs. Siefert had told her on many occasions that she would always be welcomed back. Perhaps, Annika could even return someday as a teacher. Annika didn't really know where she belonged, though she was m
eant to. All she knew was that if she could get through her work for the Baertschi family and win the internship for Epp, she would be setting herself on a suitable pathway, wherever that may lead.

  Then, finally the morning of the ceremony had arrived. The girls began to file into the grand hall, many giggling and placing bets for fairy pops on who would win Sacred Sister. The atmosphere was electric as frustrations were let out through laughter, as exams for the year were over.

  The hall was an ancient building that had been renovated several hundred years ago. To Annika, it was a sacred piece of architecture, as she had won many awards in this building. To her, sometimes it was as though the building itself held a presence, as it in its own way was proud of her accomplishments. Its vibrant blue walls and stained-glass windows cast a dim hue upon the crowd on this solemn day; as mixed feelings of wonderment for the future fought to be heard against a backdrop of fear of leaving the past behind.

  Briette stormed through the doors. She declared loudly in the direction of Annika, 'This is mine,' and shoved her as she made her way past.

  'We'll see!' She smiled back sweetly, showing Briette she didn't give a pixie's arse what she thought!

  'Oh, my word! In the name of Epp! It's the prince!' one girl squealed.

  Florina whispered to Annika, 'He's here for Briette, everybody knows they are betrothed.'

  Briette stood smug, her head held high. She knew that everyone was jealous of her; Bastien though, ever careful, deliberately moved past Briette as he entered the hall. Briette could feel her blood boiling under her skin—he hadn't even acknowledged her. Some of the girls smirked, whispering to each other. They turned their backs to Briette so that their gaze could follow the prince.

  Prince Bastien stopped to admire Annika's beauty, but there was something strangely familiar about her.

  'Hello.' He smiled, picking up her hand. Annika couldn't help but blush. As he stood, her hand in his, he bent down ever so elegantly to kiss it. His eyes were a hauntingly blue tone, his hair a dirty blonde; Prince Bastien was a God by his own invention, but a devil by the cover of night. He took away the breath of the most sensible of maidens, and Annika was not immune to his charms.

  Briette growled, she huffed off to her seat, where she bowed her head. She hated it when Bastien ignored her at parties or social engagements, but for him to do it now, here, where she was the queen of the school! How could her fellow pupils ever look to her as future queen with that kind of treatment?

  Bastien let go of Annika's hand and moved to the back of the room. Annika moved off to her seat as Florina and some other girls threw themselves down beside her.

  'What was that?' Florina giggled.

  'I wouldn't have a clue!' Annika breathed.

  'Well, whatever it was, you got a kiss from the prince! Briette's going to hate you more than ever now!'

  'Let her!' Annika scoffed.

  'Well, your funeral, not mine.' Florina laughed. 'Anyways, guess what I've got?' she asked with a cheeky smile. Florina held out a fistful of fairy pops. 'You wanna make some bets?' She winked. Annika grimaced; she wasn't a fan of those silly things anyway. They were round, pink lollies that when you ate them, gave you a burst of fairy magic. Of course, most of the girls here had learnt some elemental spells and potions, but this was fairy magic, it was much stronger. And if you ate too many, you could be dangerous.

  'You know they are banned,' Annika whispered, suddenly turning serious.

  Florina sighed. 'Yes, I know, but it's almost the end of the year—I've been such a goodie-gum-drop. I thought why not do something rebellious before I'm forced into marrying some disgusting Lord or Nobleman from Epp with lots of money, but no looks or charm.'

  Annika spun around in shock. 'Are your parents forcing you to marry someone so soon?'

  Florina sighed. 'Yes. I always thought they might at least let me go to Kirea to study fashion and dressmaking like I always wanted; even if it would never have come to anything. But Daddy says I have to grow up now and make a decision. I feel sick about it all. I'm not even in love with anyone, and I'm being sold off basically to the highest bidder.' Annika embraced her friend, as they both tried to hold back the tears.

  'Is there anything you can do? Run away?'

  'Maybe…'

  Annika’s heart sank. She had always planned to go to Epp when school was over. She had a chance at freedom, but Florina’s life was ending before it even began. ‘I’ll help you,’ Annika reassured her, squeezing her hand.

  Annika had been going over her acceptance speech all morning, trying to memorise it. She hoped and prayed that she wasn't wasting her time.

  'What will you do if you don't get it?' Florina asked Annika worriedly.

  'Do not speak with such a poisonous phrase, Florina!' Annika sighed. 'I don't even know.' She looked away for a moment, deciding whether she should tell Florina about her job offer. 'Well, I do have another option…'

  'Really, what?'

  'I've been offered employment…'

  'Yes…?'

  'With the Baertschi family...' Her voice trailed off.

  Florina's eyes widened, her heart was pounding hard, 'You turned them down?'

  'No.'

  Florina was speechless, she knew better than to argue with Annika. Annika wasn't mean or cruel, but she was stubborn. 'Then I will pray for you on the charms of the Moon Goddess of Nothangria, may she watch over you and guide your travels.'

  'I may need all the prayers I can—' Annika began.

  Their conversation was broken by the loud shrill of Mrs. Seifert, 'Now, now girls, take your seats, and we shall begin the ceremony!' She was standing at the front of the hall, at the lectern, where she shuffled her papers and pushed her glasses back up her thin nose. She had the proud glean in her eye of a mother hen who had just rounded up all her chicks. She gave the mandatory speech that she slightly rewrote each year, wiping the obligatory, yet sincere tear from her eye.

  Students were presented with awards, and Annika had been up on stage to receive several trophies, books and certificates, but they meant nothing to her without the scholarship. Every time Annika had had to take to the stage, she had seen Briette's dark eyes scorching through her very being. Annika had tried to avoid Briette's wrath over the years, but she had always been an easy target; being an orphan and studious. Annika often had the look of despair cast upon her, as if some great sadness had chosen to befriend her. Annika tried to be upbeat, but deep down, the hollowness of not even knowing who she really was had always haunted her.

  She hoped one day to find out what had happened to her parents, as her memories of them were few. She believed something terrible must of happened, and that there was a cover up—her parents had been wealthy after all, and yet not one of their friends or relatives had ever made contact with her. This was one of the main reasons that had driven her over the years, she believed if she could become a somebody, a great leader of the land, and make connections through Spyro—perhaps, she might have a real chance and uncovering the truth.

  The obligatory speeches by all the honour students began, and then the singing of the Sacred Sister hymn. Briette hated all the fuss, and rolled her eyes, whilst she continued to give Annika lethal looks from the corner of her eyes. Briette began to feel slightly strange, her body felt hot, and she felt somewhat sweaty. The girl sitting next to her could feel the heat coming off her body. She touched her arm slightly and recoiled her hand at how hot her skin was. The music stopped, they sat, and she asked Briette if she was alright.

  'I'm fine!' Briette snapped, focusing her attention to the front of the room. Mrs. Seifert took to the stage and smiled sweetly out into the audience. 'Well ladies, we have arrived at the part of our ceremony where we must acknowledge the most dedicated student in her final year. This is not the girl who has worked most studiously all throughout her senior year, but from the first day she arrived at our excellent school. If you want the privilege of being Sacred Sister, you must work for it over the years, no
t just in your final year. So, for those of you who are just beginning your journey with us, we look forward to supporting you through your years here and seeing what you are all capable of. You may find yourselves up on this stage one day, presented with such an amazing opportunity.

  As some of you may know, the Great Wizard and one of our patrons, Spyro the Great, came to this land from somewhere far away—another dimension. It was when he came, he brought science and technology to our once ancient and magical world. Since then our land has learned to enjoy both magic and science side by side. But of course, magic is dying out as science takes over. Science is the way of the future, but we must not forget the ways of the past. This is why we pride ourselves in teaching both the old methods and new at Sacred Sister. The girl who is awarded Sacred Sister must excel at both. She will go on to be trained in both ways in the land of Epp. She will have the opportunity to become one of the great leaders of our land and will be taught by the Great Spyro himself.

  Now, it brings me great pleasure to announce Sacred Sister of the Year is…Annika Acklin!'

  The room broke out in clapping and excited squeals. Annika felt frozen to the spot, was this real? The one thing she had dreamed about day in and day out for the past several years had finally come true! Feeling weak, she clutched the chair in front of her. Annika couldn't help but turn her head to the side slightly, to glimpse Briette grinding her perfectly polished teeth. Florina gave her a sharp push. 'Get up there and get your award!'

  As Briette watched Annika receiving her award, she felt a rage burning inside of her she had never felt before; her hands were becoming hot, sweaty and looked down to see light beaming from her palms; suddenly her hands were burning, almost as if she had touched fire. Flames shot from her hands, and the sparks flew into the rows in front of her, setting one girl's hair on fire. Briette let out an agonising scream from the searing pain.