by Neo Edmund
She then went on to decide that a rather bizarre set of masks that hung on the wall were once worn by her parents to a big costume party.
Flopping down on the bed, she sank several inches into the soft mattress. Her mind was abuzz with so many thoughts that there wasn’t much chance of falling asleep. She picked up a book from the nightstand and blew the dust away from the cover. It was titled The Very Strange Tales from the Distant Land of Your Own Imagination. She tried to make out the author’s name, but it was too faded to read.
The brittle spine cracked a bit as Red opened the cover. On the first page was an inscription handwritten in black ink that read: Let it be known that the tales contained within this book may cause dreams that will awake you with a fright.
The yellowed pages were so frail that Red had to be extra careful not to rip any as she flipped through them. It was hard picking a place to begin because the titles of the tales were all quite strange and intriguing. She stopped upon coming to a page that was dog-eared in the corner. It was on the first page of a story titled The Boy Called Lie.
The story told of a young man who always told the truth and yet, no matter how hard he tried, nobody ever believed a word he said. Things got so bad that people began calling him “Lie.” The elders eventually shoved Lie down a well and sealed it shut, knowing full well that he would die. Through many strange happenings that followed, Lie survived and grew to be a man with great power and a terrible desire for vengeance. He ultimately burned the town to the ground, assuring that all who lived within its walls would perish.
The grim tale annoyed Red so much that she flung the old book at a wall. The fairy tales she had known ended with a simple moral and people living happily ever after. It made her angry that somebody would write a story that had an outcome so tragic that it could make people feel hopeless and sad.
Refusing to give it another thought, she closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep. No more than a minute or two passed before the sound of the door creaking open awoke her. Assuming it was her granny, Red didn’t bother to open her eyes.
“I’m just going to take a short nap. I hope that’s okay,” Red said.
“Take all the time you want, Little Red,” said Wolfgang. “Not like you’re being hunted by a psycho chick that wants your powers.”
Fuming with irritation, Red quickly sat up as Wolfgang began rummaging through the chest of weapons at the end of the bed.
“Get out.” Red demanded. “You are never, ever allowed to come in here.”
Wolfgang strained to hold up a rather large spiked mace. “I wonder how many werewolf skulls your old man bashed open with this thing?”
“What part of ‘you are not welcome here’ did you not understand?” Red leaped up and grabbed the mace from Wolfgang’s hands, nearly collapsing under its great weight. “Whoa, my father must have been really strong to have used this.”
“The guy was killer in battle. Remind me to tell you the gory stories I’ve heard,” Wolfgang said.
Red gave Wolfgang a shove. “Maybe you missed the part when I told you to get out, so I will tell you again. Get out of here this instant.”
“What’s your issue with me?”
“Should I make a list?” Red dropped the mace into the chest and slammed the top shut.
“You don’t know anything about me, but you seem to hate my guts. You push me away and then save my life. These mixed signals are getting a little annoying.”
“I’m so not in the mood for this,” Red muttered.
Wolfgang sat down on the bed. “I guess it’s the stigma of being a Helheim. People just assume the worst. Nobody ever believes a word I say. Some people even call me a born liar.”
Wolfgang’s words made Red shudder as she reflected on the story about Lie. For a brief instant, she wondered if the tale might have meaning, but dismissed it as nothing more than a coincidence. She was certain that the story could not possibly be about him, though it was a little odd that she had read it only minutes before their conversation.
“Listen up, Wolf Boy. This girl’s not buying your little routine here, so don’t even get started.”
“What routine is that, Little Red?”
“The one where you play the tragically misunderstood boy from the wrong side of the woods, and I’m supposed to feel soooo bad for you because underneath that rough and tough exterior beats a heart of pure gold,” Red said.
Wolfgang laughed. “Is that what I was doing?”
“You tell me, Wolf Boy.”
“Fine. You got me. It’s not like most of that terrible stuff isn’t true. So do you feel bad for me?” Wolfgang gave Red a flirtatious smile.
“Devastated. I must swoon into your arms and try to mend your bad boy ways through my understanding and compassionate girly nature.”
Wolfgang cracked a grin. “Why did you come back to Wayward?”
“It sure wasn’t to hang out in my parents’ bedroom with you, Wolf Boy.”
“I’m serious.” Wolfgang flopped back on the bed and looked Red in the eyes. “I want to know more about you.”
Red paced around in frustration. “You’re so lucky my father’s mace is too heavy for me to use.”
“I just love your witty sense of humor.”
“Do I look like I’m trying to be funny here?”
“When I saw you the other night, I knew we were destined to be the best of friends,” Wolfgang said.
“When I saw you, I thought you were going to kill me. You almost did when you sped at me like a maniac.”
“For those here who have been keeping score, you sped right back at me.”
“A momentary lapse in judgment. Don’t count on me having another one in my parents’ bedroom.”
“I’m not trying to make a move on you, so just calm down,” Wolfgang said.
Red’s face tightened with anger. “Don’t you tell me to calm down, Wolf Boy. This is my house. You’re here uninvited. I decide when and if I calm down, or when and if I lose my mind and do something crazy.”
“Don’t hold back. Go crazy.”
Red clenched her teeth. “Maybe I will.”
“Then do it, Little Red. I can smell your blood boiling.”
Red knew he was right. Beads of sweat were forming on her forehead. The feeling was causing her to lose control, and she wasn’t sure if she liked it or hated it.
“Don’t push me, Wolf Boy.”
“Take your best shot, Little Red.”
“Why are you doing this to me?”
“Because it’s what you want.”
“All I want is for you to get out.”
“Then prove it. Make me leave.”
“This is your last chance.”
“I can see that. The claws are coming out.”
Red could feel her claws protruding from her fingertips. She now knew with certainty that Wolfgang held far too much power over her. “I want you to go away right now.”
Wolfgang stood up and got into Red’s face. “I think you want me to stay.”
Red turned away. “No, you want me to want you to stay.”
“Why are you trying so hard to shut me out?”
“Why are you trying so hard to get in?”
“Because I care about you, Red Riding.”
“You don’t even know me, Wolfgang Helheim.”
“I know so much more than you even realize,” Wolfgang said.
His words gave Red a strange shiver. “What does that even mean?”
“Maybe the answer will come when you calm down,” Wolfgang said.
“Stop telling me to calm down.” Without a rational thought, Red slugged Wolfgang in the arm so hard it made him recoil in pain.
“I’m sorry. I had that coming,” Wolfgang said. “I just hope that was enough to make you calm down.”
“Does this look like me calmed down?” Red slugged Wolfgang in the stomach, so hard it doubled him over.
“I guess you’ve still got some angst left to get out. Too bad yo
u still hit like a little girl,” Wolfgang said.
Red punched Wolfgang in the face, knocking him into the wall and off his feet.
“Now that was a good one,” Wolfgang said, rubbing his jaw as he looked up at her.
“What is your malfunction?” Red grunted.
“I was just going to ask the same of you. Want to try for a knockout this time?”
“I’m not playing your game anymore.” Red grabbed Wolfgang by the jacket and pulled him to his feet. You’re leaving right now.”
“But we’re just starting to have fun. Round two is looking to get a lot more interesting,” Wolfgang said.
Red gave Wolfgang a spiteful glare. “Now I can see why the woodsman attacked you.”
“The man hates me because of my family name.”
“Maybe he’s right to feel that way. You’re dangerous, Helheim.”
“Don’t treat me like that.”
“Don’t treat me like this.”
“What am I doing that’s so bad?”
“You’re being a guy.”
“So tell me how you want me to be.”
“I don’t want anything from you.”
“If that was true, you wouldn’t be getting so worked up.”
“Get out, Helheim.”
“You’re not getting rid of me so easy, Riding.”
“I said get out.” Red shoved Wolfgang toward the door.
“I won’t ever give up on you.”
“Then you’ll be waiting for a long time.”
“I can live with that, because I know you and I are meant to be.”
“That’s impossible.” As Red gazed into Wolfgang’s copper red eyes, she realized that it was true. The connection between them was a lot more complicated than she could yet understand. She just knew that her feelings for him ran deeper than a simple attraction.
Putting all rational thoughts aside, she moved in toward his lips. The instant before they met, she was overcome with a feeling so cold and dark that it made her dizzy.
“Wolfgang, I have a feeling something bad is about to happen.”
“It’s just a kiss. Nothing to be afraid of.”
“No, I mean something even worse than that.”
“If you two kids don’t break it up, I’ll give you both something to be afraid of,” Grenda said.
Chapter 20
“Why, Granny, this isn’t what it looks like.” Red said.
Grenda stood in the open doorway, giving Red and Wolfgang a harsh glare of disapproval. Her eyes were shimmering with mystical energy. The sight was so startling that Red was nearly trembling out of her shoes.
Wolfgang casually wiped a drop of blood away from his nose. “Or maybe this is exactly what it looks like, depending on what you’re thinking.”
Red slugged Wolfgang in the arm. “Nobody asked you to speak, wolf boy.”
The glowing energy in Grenda’s eyes flickered. “Wolf Boy? Now that is an interesting little nickname.”
Red eyed Grenda a little oddly. “What does that mean?”
Grenda nudged past Red and headed to the weapons chest. “I’ll say it once and never again, so you both best listen good. If there’s any funny business going on between you two, it had best not happen in this house.”
Red gave Wolfgang a shove. “This is all your fault.”
“You might as well get used to people thinking the worst if you’re going to insist on hanging around me,” Wolfgang said.
Red was so irritated that the only responses she could get out were incoherent grunts and grumbles.
From the weapons chest, Grenda pulled out the sword that once belonged to Red’s mother.
Wolfgang took a nervous step back. “Let’s not get crazy now. I never touched her. Tell her, Red.”
“It’s true. Unless you count my fist in his face as touching,” Red said.
Grenda pointed the sword toward Wolfgang. “Helheim, I’ll deal with you later. Now get lost.”
“Okay, okay. Don’t go getting all psycho witch on me.” Wolfgang dashed out the door and slammed it behind him.
“Granny, you have to believe me. Nothing happened,” Red said.
“Forget about the pretty boy for half a second. We’ve got a mighty serious problem to deal with,” Grenda said.
“So then it’s true. Something evil is coming our way.”
Grenda held out the sword. “Red Riding, the time has come for you to make a choice. Are you ready to become Wayward’s high protector?”
Red gazed at the glimmering blade, knowing that once she accepted it there would be no going back. “Do I have a choice? If I refuse, Wayward could fall into darkness.”
“Those are the hard knocks of being chosen to stand as the hero. So what’s it going to be? We’re running out of time.” Grenda asked.
Red took a calming breath. “I’m ready.”
Grenda placed the sword into Red’s hands. “This was once carried by the Red Riding that came before you. It possesses great power intended for the Alpha Huntress.”
Red looked at the glimmering blade. In the reflection, she was in her werewolf form, wearing battle armor. “I can feel the power inside me.”
Grenda bowed to Red. “From this moment on, you are in command. I will act according to your orders.”
Red stepped out of her parents’ bedroom and dashed down the stairs. Grenda followed close behind her. In the living room, Dote and Wolfgang were peering out the window. They had expressions of grave concern.
Ash was cowering in the corner. “Not fire orcs. Anything but fire orcs.”
“What’s Ash going on about?” Red asked.
“There’s a bunch of yucky fire orcs outside,” Dote said.
“I count ten,” Wolfgang said. “But there could be a lot more of them hanging around. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ice sent them.”
Grenda peered out the window. “They may have been sent by Ice Seether, but fire orcs are servants of Ragnarok. They would only be here to serve his dark purpose.”
Red had a nervous twinge. “And what does that mean, exactly?”
“It means we’re totally doomed,” Ash said. “They’ll burn half these woods down if that’s what it takes to get us.”
“You mean to get me,” Red said.
Dote was trembling in fear. “Red, what do we do?”
Red shrugged. “How should I know? I’ve never even seen a fire orc.”
Ash began pacing frantically. “They’re big. They’re scary. They shoot fire from their mouth and burn stuff."
Red turned to Grenda. “You gotta tell me what to do.”
“You’re the Alpha Huntress,” Grenda replied. “You tell us what to do.”
“How should I know? I’m a little new at this stuff.”
“Just calm yourself down and think it through.”
Wolfgang again peered out the window. “Better think quickly. They’re lighting up the trees.”
Red closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay, if they make fire, then we need water. A lot of water. Anybody know a rain spellcraft?”
“I do.” Dote said. “It takes a long time. Sometimes an entire day.”
Red pressed her hands over her face, feeling both frustrated and afraid. “There’s got to be some way to get a lot of water.”
“Such as?” Wolfgang asked.
Red peered out the window. She saw something that made her eyes light up with an idea. “Wait a minute. Maybe we could use the well.”
Grenda nodded. “Now you’re thinking. How can we use it?”
Red groaned. “Cut me a little slack here. I don’t know much about what spellcraft can and can’t do.”
“So then you’re seeking the counsel of your clan?” Granny asked.
Red flailed her arms in irritation. “Yes. Somebody please tell me what we can do with the water from the well.”
Dote’s eyes were overcome with excitement. “We might be able to make the well go all geyser-like. Granny and I would have to do it togeth
er, for sure. That’s an awfully big spellcraft.”
“Fine, then we do it,” Red said.
“Then what?” Wolfgang asked. “Even if we take their fire away, these guys are way tough. We could take maybe four or five, but no way we can beat ten.”
“You’d better decide soon because the protection spellcraft won’t hold for much longer,” Dote said.
“The protection spellcraft. I almost forgot.” Red walked over and inched open the front door. The room transformed into its desolate appearance. Prince reemerged, still trapped inside the energy bubble.
Granny grinned. “It looks like my trap caught a rat.”
“He’s not a rat,” Red said. “He’s a loyal member of my clan. I need you to release him, Granny.”
“You’re in charge here.” Grenda approached the mystical bubble. She looked back at Dote. “Luna, you should take this one. It will be good practice.”
“But I don’t know the spellcraft you used.”
Grenda whispered into Dote’s ear.
Dote giggled. “Oh, so that’s how you did it.” She held up her hands to the bubble and closed her eyes to focus her mind. “Be free.”
The mystical barrier vanished and Prince snapped back to life. He stood awkwardly looking at Red with a perplexed expression. “Alpha Huntress, praise the deities. I was waiting here alone, hoping you would return, and then in a flash, you appeared. How can this be?”
Dote gave Prince an adoring smile. “It’s a long story. The important thing is you’re safe now, my pretty man.”
Prince looked at Dote oddly. “Pretty man?”
Red pushed the door closed, causing the room to transform back to normal.
“Vile witches.” Prince pulled his rapier and snapped into a fighting stance. “Behind me, Alpha Huntress. I will protect you.”
Red approached Prince and nudged his blade aside. “Easy there. All the witches here are on my side.”
“Those who deal in spellcraft are on nobody’s side but their own,” Prince said.
Dote snarled. “That is not a nice thing to say, mister.”
Red cleared her throat. “We don’t have time for this. There are fire orcs outside, too many for me to deal with on my own. Prince, will you help me fight them off?”
