Kara

by Scott J. Kramer

  “I didn’t mean to take it! Honest!” Tears welled up and she let the pendant fall to the floor. Kara turned and wrapped her arms around Snow. Dante and Hambone stared at the necklace and then at Kara.

  “Everything is going wrong here. I just want to go home.”

  Dante tried to pick up the necklace. As his hand got close, he received a nasty shock. All eyes went to the piece of jewelry.

  “What was that?” Snow gasped.

  Dante rubbed his hand that showed slight burn marks. “I don’t know, but I am sure not touching it again.”

  “Grace?” Snow looked toward the sprite. When it came to magic, Grace was the one with the most knowledge. The green ball just twittered a remark that sounded like ‘I don’t know.’ Snow looked toward Hambone and then at the necklace. He simply shook his head.

  “Kara? Did you feel anything when you held the necklace?” Snow looked at Kara who still gazed down at the bat.

  “No, nothing. It felt normal in my hands. Maybe a little warm, but nothing shocking.”

  Grace chirped something.

  “I’ve heard of some magical jewelry bonding to its owner. Sort of an anti-theft trigger.” Hambone said, also looking down at the necklace.

  “Well, you can count me out. I learned my lesson.” Dante’s fingers were red at the tips.

  Kara got up from her seat. Snow made to hold her back. “I don’t think you should touch it again.” Kara shrugged her off.

  Down on one knee, she hovered her hand over the necklace. The jewel started to glow faintly again. As her hand got closer, it brightened. Experimenting, Kara moved her hand back and forth watching the glow rise and fall. She looked up at her friends. They stared with stunned looks.

  Grace came closer to Kara, but kept her distance from the pendant. Gently, Kara scooped up the pendant. Instantly, the gem sparkled in her hand. The stone once again captured her eyes. Her other hand supported the chain it was attached to. All eyes fixed on the gem.

  She regained her feet and turned, as if displaying the necklace for all to see. Her previous concerns were set aside. The whole room looked hypnotized. Slowly, Kara revolved, and she brought the jewelry up and draped it over her collarbones.

  Grace screeched and pulsed, but the piece hung at Kara’s collar. The light faded as the sprite screamed.

  “Why did you do that, Grace?” Snow complained as she rubbed her ears.

  They all broke out of their trance, but instead of being relaxed, they were annoyed. Grace instantly defended herself.

  “Slow down, Glow Bug!” Dante yelled at her. Grace appeared to take a deep breath, and started over. After she finished, she flew down to the ground exhausted. It took them all a moment to realize that the necklace was around Kara’s neck. Instantly, Kara’s hands went up.

  Grace zoomed at her and twittered.

  “What does she want?”

  “She said don’t take the necklace off.” Snow translated. She then turned to address Grace. “Why Grace? What’s wrong with it?”

  The air filled with sprite-speak. Kara didn’t understand any of it, so she waited until someone could tell her. Hambone eventually did.

  “Grace says that magical items, such as this necklace can give abilities to the wearer. Also, such items can also harm the wearer.”

  “Well, I’m taking this off!”

  “No, they can also do harm if taken off. The magic bonds with the person. It would be like taking off your arm or leg. The necklace could be a part of you now.”

  “But it also could just be an ordinary necklace. Like the kind that gives you abilities.” Kara now was a bit scared.

  Hambone nodded.

  “How can we find out? I don’t think I want this on. And what if Katrena comes looking for it, and I can’t give it back?” Kara started to get hysterical again.

  Hambone stood and put a hand on her. “Don’t worry about Katrena.”

  Snow also got up. “We can take you to see a wizard near the market who might be able to help.”

  “Who? Ynob? That old hack?” Dante scoffed “He’s just a crazy old man.”

  “Do you have a better idea?” Snow stared her brother down.

  Dante closed his mouth and looked away.

  “Can we go now?” Kara was anxious.

  “I think we all need to get some sleep. It is pretty dark out there.” Hambone said, stifling a yawn.

  “Plus the Lire wolves will be out. I’m not in the mood to ward them off.” Dante said and followed it with a big yawn.

  “Would Ynob know how I can get back to Faldoa?” Kara said, a yawn escaping her.

  “Maybe.” Hambone matched her yawn.

  Soon there was an outbreak of yawns. It had been a rough, long day.

  Maybe tomorrow there would be answers for her. Maybe she would be back home by nightfall.

  Chapter Ten

  Skrag now crept slowly through the forest. A crescent moon peaked through the foliage. He needed to locate the human thief from the afternoon. He would do anything for his mistress, even risk his life in the dark. Although the goblin himself was tired, the mistress commanded it. Even ran a finger down under his chin. That was more than enough encouragement for Skrag.

  “Now there are two places I believe this girl will be.” Katrena had given him instructions to locate the girl. The mission was to find her and then report back immediately.

  The first spot, Skrag almost missed because it blended with the forest—the home of the dwarc, the one who had been rude to Skrag. Once the goblin made it in the house, he quickly discovered no one was home. When the cat is away, the goblin will play. And that is exactly what he did.

  Skrag left the residence in a shambles. He broke the dishes could be found, filled the bed with clumps of mud, dung, and whatever else looked non-inviting, and shredded the large blanket with his teeth. The last bit he particularly enjoyed. It brought out the primal animal in him.

  The goblin tried to take a pot shot at a crow that watched him. The last dinner plate shattered in a nearby tree easily missing the crow. Instead of flying off, the crow just switched trees. Skrag cursed at it before returning to his task.

  The second location was a good hike through the forest. This forest at night did not bother Skrag at all. Like all forests, it turned to a different color, a different mood when the sun went down. Skrag traipsed along, not caring whether anyone or anything heard him. He wasn’t close yet, so he would save his stealth for time of need.

  Stopping at a tree to get his bearing, he heard a flapping noise behind him. In the tree to the right of him sat a crow, staring down at him.

  “Follow me?” Skrag croaked.

  The bird cocked its head to one side.

  Skrag looked down at his feet and tried to find a stone or stick to throw at the creature, but nothing was available or usable. Gritting his teeth, he looked up to yell at the bird, but it was not there. His goblin eyes scanned the nearby trees and found the bird perched closer looking at him.

  “Go!” His voice boomed, the mission forgotten for the moment. Skrag still did not want to draw attention, but the crow did not heed his command. Anger started to spark with a tiny drop of fear. He hated those birds, ever since they had eaten his dead brother in front of him.

  “Can’t get me.” The goblin thumped his chest. Turning his back to the crow, Skrag continued on, but worry and fear kept him looking back. Sometimes the bird was right behind him and sometimes it flew farther ahead. Once when he turned to look, a caw right beside him caused him to yelp and jump. His small dagger instantly appeared in his hands, but the crow was still a safe distance away.

  That drip of fear now intensified. The forest closed in more, and the goblin thought he heard other rustling noises farther ahead of him. But his resolve was strong still and he pushed forward.

  Caw!

  A black object flew over his head. Skrag held out his dagger.

  “Come. I fight!” But the bird perched on a nearby branch, staring at him. Skrag waved
his dagger around, though it did not make him feel safe. Another caw sent a shiver through him that almost sent him running.

  “Go, crow! Away!” His voice still held anger, yet trembled. Skrag jumped forward with each word, knife shaking in his bony hand. Its black eyes stared at him, unblinking. They seemed to be mocking him.

  With another jump forward, his foot caught in a small hole. Skrag tumbled forward, losing his weapon. Skrag scrabbled back up fumbling for his dagger. The crow vanished.

  He searched the trees and then behind him and then in front of him. But instead of the bird, he saw a bungalow, his second location. Skrag did another check for the crow and came up empty. Sheathing his dagger, he crept forward step by step.

  A lantern light came from the window. Stretching on tiptoes, his large eyes were able to see in. Something sat curled up on the rug. A dog? He pulled himself up even more to get a better look when a roar erupted from the room.

  Skrag lost his grip and fell from the window. He did not move from where he lay, but his dagger came out again. Only silence. Then the roar came again, only it wasn’t a roar. More like a snore. He waited patiently, and sure enough it came again, almost in rhythm.

  Cautiously, he pulled himself up to the window. When the snore came, Skrag remained calm. The form on the rug didn’t produce the sound. Skrag scanned the room and quickly found the source. The dwarc’s mountainous form lay prone on a couch. It rose up with the snore and then fell back a few moments later.

  He had found the dwarc, so the human girl should be close. But Skrag needed to be sure. Katrena would be angry if he did not confirm her location. Skrag did not like his mistress when she was angry, especially with him.

  In stealth mode, the goblin crept around the house. Another window was on the south side of the cottage. This window opened just enough to let in a slight breeze. Skrag peeked over the windowsill. Snow and Kara were fast asleep in the bed. The goblin almost let out a whoop, but caught himself before the noise escaped his mouth.

  Human girl was pretty. Prettier than when Skrag had seen her disguised at the market. He remained glued to the window watching the girl sleep. “So pretty.” His voice was breathless.

  Kara stirred in her sleep, half murmuring something and turned towards the window. The bed cover shifted aside and the pendant came into view. It glowed softly.

  Skrag’s insides almost exploded outward with an emotional rush. “Neck-lace.” Another sigh escaped him and he backed away from the window.

  Katrena’s orders were specific. ‘Find the girl and report her location back to me. Do not interact with her or her friends.’ Skrag always followed her orders explicitly. She was his mistress. But the necklace? If he could get it, and return it to her, she would be entirely grateful. Maybe even give Skrag a kiss on the cheek.

  The goblin’s mind fumbled around with the logic and the scenarios. Somewhere deep inside, a voice told him to leave now, but his desire to please Katrena overrode good sense.

  “I could get necklace. Return it.”

  “But not orders.”

  “Mistress would be happy.”

  “But might not work.”

  “I be careful.”

  Skrag slipped through the open window.

  ***

  Rarely ever did she dream, but tonight Kara’s mind was alive. She found herself looking out at a room, a room fit for a queen. Definitely, the room belonged in some sort of castle, for the walls were made of stone and the space was too large for an ordinary cottage. Kara sat on a large four-poster bed, centered in the area, waiting for someone. That much she knew, but she didn’t know whom.

  A fire crackled in the room’s fireplace. Torches adorned the walls, unlit by flames. Kara did not recognize the light source, but they glowed. Beautiful furniture decorated the bedroom. Kara looked all around, but she constantly brought her gaze back to the door. She was waiting, for what or whom she didn’t know.

  There was a knock and the door opened. “Darling, I have returned!” The man’s voice was not familiar, but then again something about it felt like home.

  Instantly, Kara felt her body move from the bed and run to the man who had just entered. They embraced and he hugged her tight and kissed her.

  Am I just a visitor to this dream? Kara wondered as she embraced the man. When they parted, Kara looked at her visitor. He wore studded black leather armor. No sword hung from his belt. Actually, he carried no weapon at all that she could see. The man was in his youth, but had seen a bit of the world. She could tell that from his face. Part of a scar etched into his left cheek. It ran into his short, black beard. The whiskers had tickled her lips during their kiss.

  “You have returned to me in one piece.” It was her voice, yet not her voice. She was just a guest in this body.

  “In one piece, my dear. Scarred and badly burnt in places, but still in one piece. The war is over.” They embraced again, and Kara felt him wince as she squeezed him tight.

  “Come, lie down. You need your rest.” She coaxed him with an arm around his waist.

  He moved forward, but only a few steps. “I regret, there is more to do, my dear wife. But I have a present for you. Spoils of war.”

  Kara felt a pang in her heart when she heard that he could not stay. She pulled away from him a bit.

  “Surely the king can do without his mighty Guillaud for one night.” The tone was ripe with sarcasm, anger, and sorrow.

  “Hush, dear. Be still. All will be well soon. But see this present.” From his pocket, he took a small wooden box. The case fit in his hand. It looked simple, almost what a peasant would keep his snuff in.

  Her anger abated, but her sorrow lingered. Guillaud always had a kind word, a gift, a smile to bring her spirits up. Kara took the carton and slid the cover off. Never judge a container… ran through her mind as the pendant inside sparkled to life. It was the bat pendant! She couldn’t speak, for the mystic captured her once again.

  “Say you like it.” The voice almost pleaded, as if Guillaud thought that this marvelous gift would not impress his wife. The words hung there.

  Kara’s arms threw themselves around the man, and she felt herself kissing his cheek. “Guillie, how could you ever think that I would turn away anything you gave me?” She squeezed even tighter, and he spun her in a circle. Her skirts flared out around her ankles. The sorrow disappeared, blasted away by their soaring love.

  “Put it on. I want to see you in all your glory,” Guillaud exclaimed, as he released his wife.

  In a few moments, Kara could feel the touch of the necklace around her throat. It was warm, yet had a cool center. Once he closed the latch, she felt herself spin around and face the man.

  She did a partial twirl. “How do I look?”

  His face said it all. Guillaud’s mouth dropped open a bit, the shock and awe evident in his eyes.

  “Absolutely radiant.”

  Again Kara felt the surge of love and emotion, almost bringing her to a giggle. Her arms wrapped around her husband and drew him in for a kiss.

  The image started to fade out and change. The touch of him drifted with the scenery. The dream, memory, shifted to another time, another location. It happened within seconds, but the emotions from before still lingered.

  When all came clear, Kara was sitting down at a table in the middle of a meal. Her husband and another man sat at either end, while across from her sat an unknown woman. Her red hair fell upon her shoulders and her green eyes twinkled, reflected in the wine glass she was drinking from. For some reason, Kara felt instant disdain for this woman—a dislike, but not jealousy.

  Guillaud laughed, as the other man talked, telling some story to which Kara only heard the ending. A feast of roast boar was on the table, currently half-devoured by the looks of it. Potatoes and vegetables garnished her plate, while some of the boar remained untouched. Her wine glass was empty, with only small hints at the red vintage left behind.

  As the laughter subsided, Guillaud caught her eye. “The boar is not
to your liking, dear?” All eyes instantly came upon Kara.

  “My tastes are more for the side dishes tonight. And, of course, the wine.” Her hand picked up her empty glass and gave a brief smile. The rest of the group picked up their glasses and toasted her. Soon her glass filled once again, the liquid the color of dark blood. She swirled the liquid in her goblet and sniffed its hefty aroma.

  “So, Henry, another campaign to start up soon?” Guillaud asked. He savored his boar greedily.

  The other man, Henry, had a broad firm face, the mask of a warrior. Instead of a beard, his facial hair only encircled his mouth. His light colored hair was short on top but the sides drooped to his shoulders. Kara concluded that he might be a knight or of the king’s guard.

  “The trolls in the north are breaching the barrier again, causing havoc for the villages nearby. King Titius wants it resolved quickly, before word spreads.” Henry hungrily devoured his food.

  “All this fighting. When is it going to end?” the redheaded woman asked. She sipped from her wine. Before anyone could answer, she spoke again. “Don’t you agree, Rose?” The question, directed to Kara.

  Kara was glad she was just the passenger. It took her a moment to realize she was this Rose. “It will end. War is only a means to an end, our safety.”

  She watched the other woman’s expression suddenly change greatly, confusing Kara.

  “Your pendant… Oh, how beautiful. It is glowing!”

  Kara didn’t even realize she had the necklace on. Her hand went up to touch it. “Thank you. It was a gift from Guillaud. I like to think that every time it glows, he is thinking of me.”

  The guests gave a little laugh. Kara looked toward her husband and winked. Guillaud smiled at her and winked back.

  But when she turned back and saw the eyes of the other woman, she was taken aback. Jealousy and greed were plainly visible in those green eyes, but only for a moment. With a blink, the woman hid her intent. Kara felt her own feelings toward the woman surge— the fires of hate burning. Unlike the other woman, she could conceal it.