A Kiss of Darkness (Gothos Series)

by Selena Wolfcastlin

  On her return to the House of Clothos, Amerus sat her down and insisted to know what happened in the village verbatim. The old man was absolutely shaken by the things that had been out of his control. The thought of her getting hurt seemed to effect him greatly. Sitting across with him she recited her version of the events the best to her ability. Amerus looked relieved when he heard that she was saved. “You saw the Sythians? Tell me about that” he said unable to mask his relief was replaced by heightened interest in the rare encounter. Sera didn’t want to think about those creatures that attacked the village and terrorized the people as it was traumatic, but she understood the academic interest her teacher and mentor had. Looking into her his eyes she wondered how she could explain the man she had met, who had saved her life. The words themselves could not describe it. It was those eyes that left her breathless. Sera walked into the hall after debriefing her mentor and walked out into the hall. Calus was leaning against the wall waiting for her and hurried to her when she left the room. “Sera, thank the gods that you are alright. I heard what happened down in the village. I should have been there but the Captain was putting me through some exercises.” He said running his thumb over her brow and down the side of her face, reassuring himself that she was really there in one peace. “I’m okay, and I helped the injured. It is a relief that none of the villagers were seriously injured. The creatures seemed to come out of nowhere” she explained frowning a bit as the memory of it washed over her. Seeing the flicker of terror in her face he enfolded her in his arms, pressing her face against his armored chest. “It’s over. I promise that I won’t let anyone harm you” Calus vowed softly to her still stroking the side of her face. Sera knew he was distraught and wanted to put his mind at ease, but the attack left her uncertain, she was left pondering what she witnessed. She followed when Calus took her hand and led her to the garden. The flowers in the garden were almost in bloom around the stone benches splashes of reds and blues. The vines crept around the statues. Sera sat down on the cool bench and looked at him her eyes tracing the worry lines that had formed on his face. The shakiness in her joints had ebbed away by then leaving her mind clearer than before. The creatures that had attacked the village were terrifying, but now that she came to think about it they had attacked the healthy men and cattle. When she saw Calus’s brow knitting together she forced a smile. “I will be alright. I was saved by the Golgothian knight, Dominic” she told him. There was a long moment that Calus stared at her. “I am thankful. He is a great warrior” he said calmly, though there seemed like something he wanted to say but he wouldn’t allow himself. Reflexively she reached up and touched his cheek. “What is it?” she asked, cocking her head to the side studying the thoughtful look on his face. The warrior shook his head slowly as if removing the doubt in his mind. “I will have to thank him when I see him again” he commented quietly. There was something he wasn’t telling her and she could read that in his eyes and the lines in his face. The hesitation to speak his mind when it came to this man who rescued her made her feel a bit uneasy, but she ignored that sense not wanting to cause him further distress. “If that is what you wish” she replied after a long pause.

  Sera would not see Dominic again till ten days hence. It was when the Gogothian Knights would come to the Hall of Clothos with the king himself to speak to the Protector of the stone of the Unseen. This role was filled by Talos of course who was given a big responsibility that the uncertain young man was reluctant to give. He couldn’t deny the king’s request and fly against the traditions of the land. The House of Clothos was decorated for the occasion and a delicious banquet was laid out by the servants who took up residence in the house. On the long dining table the guests including the king’s men, the knights, and some courtiers the delicious scents wafted in the air of the open dining area. Roe deer was roasted with sliced apples, cloves, and chopped onions. Ducks were caught the night before and cooked with potatoes. Fish and fresh seafood was cooked and displayed on green leaves with sumptuous dips and dressings. Wine and mead was in copious supply, and for desert wafers with fruit and clotted cream were served to entice the pallet. Everyone enjoyed the merriment of conversation and tuned played by hired musicians. This was a momentary escapism to the serious going on that would commence afterwards. Talos was sitting among the guests only eating bread smothered in honey and water as was the way before he would divine the unseen. He looked absolutely glum clothed in a black robe with a purple sash around his waist. Sera’s sister Asura’s body language told Sera that she wanted to go to her beloved, but it would be inappropriate.

  Sera was sitting next to Calus dressed in an orange one shoulder dress of thin cotton and wrapped around her slender form. She sipped from her glass realizing there were eyes on her. Dominic was sitting at the end of the table next to King Damon. Unable to help herself she turned her head thinking she would catch his gaze, but when she looked at him his focus was on the king, talking boisterously with him. This made her wonder if she was losing her mind, or that she wanted the handsome knight to notice her. This sentiment couldn’t be helped despite her feelings for Calus or the hesitation he had shown after his comrade in arms had saved her life. Turning her gaze from him she studied the room well taking a gulp of her wine not realizing that Dominic was looking at her, amusement glistening in his blue eyes. After dinner was finished and the dishes were cleared away the king stood up and looked at the assembled party. “Ladies and gentlemen, before the Great Seeking begins I have a happy announcement that will lighten the blow of anything that might be foretold” he said with a note of humor in his voice. “Today my Captain, Lucrus Arelius will be retiring his position at my side.” He started which caused a ripple of commentary and well wishes. “In his place will Dominic Cain will be promoted to the rank of captain. It seems quite fitting since Lucrus has trained him and made him candidate years ago.” He continued. The hall filled with applause at this as Dominic stood up from his seat and gave a nod of his head. The king raised his hand and smiled at the crowd and chuckled. “With this promotion he has also chosen a bride. It has been approved by me and the girl’s guardian. Stand up Sera, of the House of Clothos” he said and waved his hand in her direction. For a moment she didn’t realize he was addressing her as she sat there with the cup half way to her lips. Upon it sinking in she raised to her feet everything going a bit hazy. This absolutely blindsided her and made her feel dizzy and caught off balance. The mingling sounds of congratulations and chortles about how this was clearly a surprise to the bride to be filled her ears. She wanted to object and cry out, but she saw that there was nothing she can do. She was a bird stuck in a net. Like a bird in a net if she struggling would be futile.

  After dinner she didn’t get her chance to talk to anyone as they were ceremonially ushered out and led to the sacred chamber where Talos would divine the secrets of the unknown. The guests went to another room to wait patiently to hear the news. The protectors of the stones were allowed to hear the proceeding with the king. Talos dressed in his dark robe, the hood pulled over his head walked to the middle of a sparse room that had a pedestal in the middle with a large bowl on it. The bowl itself was made of chiseled onyx with clear spring water from the falls of Dragus. Talos was standing behind the pedestal his eyes raised toward the high vaulted ceiling in a moment of meditation. The room was cold and damp causing Sera to inhale a slow breath, her skin goose pebble under her dress. The whole room was still, all eyes on the Protector of the Stone of the Unseen. Breaking the tension Talos dipped his head and looked down into the unmoving water in the stone basin. Sera stood there still mulling over her engagement, unsure what to do with her hands at her side.

  Talos’s breathing was barely audible, his eyes fixed on the water. Flames from the torches at each corner of the room were the only illumination allotted in the room. His grey eyes studied the unmoving water, allowing himself to go into a trance. The moments seemed to slow down as his heart started to pick up a beat.

  “The Jacke
l King is on a throne of snakes biting at the night. The whispers of the Golden Prince flows through the air. The sword of blood will be pulled from the stone and turn the flowing tide of battle.” Talos’s voice was raspy when he spoke, his voice foreign and unrecognizable. “The land in the south will burn to ash and an old evil will be unleashed” he whispered, his body trembling from the strain.

  King Damon who was listening felt like he had been punched in the stomach by the words from beyond. He hadn’t thought about his little brother since he had become king and cast the squealing little bastard and his mother. This prediction disturbed him more then he let on. What struck him as almost impossible that his brother had survived? Damon’s first order of business when sitting upon the crown was to send away that woman and his half-brother into the west land. The Sythians should have killed him, but from the words of the Protector of the Unseen had made him second guess himself. Damon’s father and his ancestors had taken part in this type of ritual since the beginning of time. The predictions hadn’t been wrong from what he knew in the land’s long history. A fiery knot was in the pit of his stomach as he stared at the seer feeing a tingle of determination and fanatical sense of purpose. He would find the sword of the vampires and slay his brother if he was alive. Anyone who challenges him will fall on to their knees and beg for forgiveness before meeting their bloody end. The thought of it amused him greatly. A smile almost betraying his true feelings, but he suppressed it and stood observing the young man who was five years or so his junior. Talos’s body trembled as he leaned over the bowl the strain taking over causing him to collapse in Asura’s waiting arms. She was standing there knowing well what happens when her beloved when he is called upon to speak to the spirits. Sera watched them feeling jealous rising in her chest. Oh how she wished she could have a relationship they do, a connection so deep that it became intangible. Calus and Emrick hoisted the passed out Talos and helped him to his sleeping quarters with Asura trailing behind. Sera hadn’t noticed them until now being so focused on Talos and his cryptic words. Sera glanced at the bowl before leaving the antechamber. As she walked she tried to discern Talo’s words, but she felt a buzzing the back of her mind. Feeling slightly queasy and off balanced she walked to the large garden. Some of the flowers were in bloom, but most of them were ready to bloom in a day or two if the weather is favorable. She desperately needed to clear her head as she felt herself losing strength. Sitting down she felt the muscles in her legs starting to ease from their spasms. Sera couldn’t keep the words that came not from the predictions of Talos, but the ones declaring that she was betrothed without her knowledge or consent. Inhaling slowly she forced her mind to recall the breathing exercises of her youth.

  “You always found peace in the garden, my sister” the soft voice of her sister commented lightly. Sera found it slightly unnerving when her twin moved without making a sound. “I need the calm to inspire my own mind to find tranquility. Asura, what can I do? I am going to be married to a man I did not ask to be betrothed to” her voice had rose in pitch as the fear started to rise in her body. Asura sat down on the stone bench and reached out, squeezing her sister’s hand. “It is rare that one gets to choose who they get to marry. You know this is so. The protectors of the stones are not usually allowed to get married and live the typical life. You know that Talos and I are very much in love, but there will be no family for us” her voice was steady and soothing hiding her own emotions. “You will get to have the things that are forbidden to all of us” she reached up and tapped under her sister’s chin with her fingertips lightly. Asura had grown to become wise and gentle, removing any doubt of her fate. Sera’s instincts were to yell, and object to her circumstances, but her sister’s words sobered her up. The sadness on Asura’s face filled her with guilt. “Don’t worry. I have met him before and he is quite heroic and handsome” she told her other half reassuringly. It wasn’t until this truth was spoken that she knew she was being foolish. Sera stood up and forced herself to smile, though deep inside she had misgivings. Grabbing her sister’s hand she led her into the coolness of the manor house. They walked along until the sound of raised voices causes both of them to stop in their tracks. The yelling voices came from the open doorway before them. The two women would recognize the indignantly angry voice of Calus who didn’t seem able to control his raging emotions. The second voice was quiet and tired. The argument seemed to be one sided since Amerus spoke only a few words amidst the young man’s torrent of shouts.

  “How could you do this, old man?! Marrying her off to that boar of a man. He might be higher rank then myself but he swoops in like a thief in the night to take the one thing that means more to me than anything.” There was a moment of silence and the elderly man gave a pained sigh. Calus’s tone was the height of disrespect in his fury. Amerus raised one of his hands in a motion of pause unseen by the twins. “I did what was requested of me, Calus and nothing more. Dominic is in his right to ask for the hand of any woman. He has the blessing of the king and I could do very little.” Sera knew that it wasn’t her place to interrupt the conversation, and what she was doing now was unorthodox. “You are her guardian, you are the guardian of all of us.” Calus tried to argue the weariness and sadness was rolling through him. There was a silence that permeated the hallway and the room the conversation was taking place. There was finality to its nothingness. Sera knew that even with her feelings toward Calus that it had no bearing in the reality they lived in. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but downing it was the only choice she had. A chapter of her life was over and the next uncertain moment would be written out on the ever moving wind.

  3. The Embers

  The wedding took place in the early morning the dampness clinging to everything. The high temple to the deity of the land called the Great Builder. The bells rang outside, its timber reigniting through the country side. The high sprawling tower was built in the high point of the Northern Territory built by King Alther when he was crowned king. The church was filled with upper nobles, knights, and the guardians. King Damon was sitting in the front aisle with his men at his side. It was common knowledge that King Damon and Dominic have been close since the knight had gone up in the ranks under his rule. There were rumors and speculation about how close they are and what things have been hidden after one of their nights of revelry. Naturally these were dismissed as amusing stories and nothing more. The king was dressed in glinting gold armor that was more for ceremony then battle. Usually stoic he seemed amused by event leaning back in his seat. Dominic was standing in front of the priest dressed in his best armor. He looked like a dark angel in his black armor and dyed crimson cape falling from his shoulders. He was clean shaven; dark blue eyes scanning those who came had come to attend his special day. Dominic felt pride welling up at him that he had quite a turn out for his wedding, the servant glad that they had the day off from work were outside the chapel in celebration of his day. Of course it was his bride’s day as well, but she was to be his wife. His bride and no one else’s. He looked at the door where his lovely bride will come from feeling a sense of anticipation rolling through him. The image of her writhing under him in their wedding chambers made him start to harden under his armor, but he mustered his resolve knowing that waiting made it even sweeter. Shifting his weight back on his heels a bit he ran his hand lightly along the hilt of his ceremonial sword, wetting his lips with his tongue lightly, breathing in the stale fragrance of the flowers decorating the chapel.

  Sera stood in one of the back rooms staring at her reflection in the tall looking glass. She was garbed in a white lace dress that hung along her lithe body, beading on the bodice. Her hair was done up in a bridal braid, a single braided strand along her forehead with flowers woven into the braiding. At her side stood her twin, her hands resting on her sister’s shoulders. Asura’s eyes were fixed on her twin’s face, a frown on her own clearly not approving of this marriage her mind changed from the day it was announced. The looking glass reflected their forms, so alike
at face value, but inside so different. “Today you will walk the path that is treaded by most women, but I had not expected it for you, my sister. You deserve better than to be the simple wife of a warrior” Asura said, her lips pursed in a thin line, brow knit, and eyes fixed on her sister in the looking glass. Sera turned her head and studied her sister silently for a moment, taking in her natural doppelganger. “I know that you have taken a lover among the circle and that is your business, marriage is mine” she replied, her words holding a finality that made her twin flinch. After a long weighted silence Asura relented and let out a soft sigh. “This is the path you have chosen and cannot be changed” she said with a hint of sadness. Walking to the table next to the full length looking glass she picked up a box and brought it over. “This is my gift to you. Promise me that you will always wear it and think of me” She opened the box where a beautiful blue green stone laid heavy on a silver chain. Sera could swear when she removed it from the box that the colors swirled in the dim lights of the room. Convincing herself that it was her imagination she let her sister place it around her neck, it falling between the tops of her breasts.

  The bells of the cathedral rung and the double doors opened revealing Sera who stood there in her long lace gown. The thin gossamer veil, hiding her face from those observing her. Dominic smiled slowly seeing her angelic form coming toward him. Every person in the cathedral turned in their seat to set eyes upon the bride as she walked toward the high marble altar in front. Calus was the only one who didn’t looked at her, looking pained as he sat ridged in his seat with the others. Sera stopped next to Dominic who looked like a shining prince in his full armor. Dominic reached out and took his bride’s hand and squeezed it gently in his own. The ceremony commenced, the high priest speaking from the large book he held. Vows were exchanged and a cheer went up in the cathedral from the spectators. Asura stood among the other protectors clapping, her hands and cheering with the others despite her feelings toward this marriage.