by Alana Grerig
As he continued to burn and kill any who tried to get near, the elders sent an errand boy to the back chambers. When he returned, he had seven witch elders with him. On seeing the ‘out of control halfling.’ they began to chant. A vortex opened slowly in the floor, just behind the young man. As he stepped back to get a better aim on another guard, who had tried to sneak up on his left, he fell. For a moment, he was suspended; then he felt the vortex stop sucking him down. He was trapped from the knees down, his pyrotechnics ceasing. He forced himself around to see who had captured him. Spying the witches, he once again raised his palms to blast them all to the realm of the dead.
Realising what he was about to do, one of the seven, a woman with long white curls, stepped in front of the vortex, and as the fire shot from the young man’s palms, she cast a charm that reflected the inferno back three-fold. Her robes caught fire, but even as she burned alive, she held the charm. The young man’s dark magic ravaged his body. His skin bubbled, and his once beautiful hair fell out in clumps, leaving a blistered scalp with only sparse patches remaining. His hands became claws, the nails thickening and turning yellow in the inferno. His once handsome face was ruined, lips burnt away and cheeks blistered, but it was his eyes that took Eve’s breath away.
The once warm amber irises were now a sinister crimson. They glared at the burning witch. Too late to save himself, he hunched over, and the fire raged on, consuming more of his battered body and broken soul. The witch fell to the floor, turning to ashes as she made contact with the ground. The rest of the witches gathered around their fallen comrade and began to chant. Within moments, the ashes had swirled and had then been made into a jewel: the stone! It was the very stone Eve now held in her hand. The stone was taken to the elf high councillor, and he put it to his lips and gave it a part of his life force.
The creature that had been the handsome young man watched in horror as the witch then brought the stone closer to him. The closer she got, the more discomfort it seemed to cause. Once the witch was within arm’s reach of the creature, who now seemed to be screaming, she touched the stone to his forehead and murmured something. A blinding light erupted from the stone so pure that, even witnessing it as a memory, Eve’s eyes teared. The creature screamed in rage and tried to lash out, but found he couldn’t. Then suddenly, he was sucked down into the vortex, and both him, and the stone, vanished.
“Oh. My!” Eve whispered.
Chapter Twenty -One
“I don’t know what just happened, but you need to sit down,” Winter squeaked as she stood staring at Eve. The strange glow that had encompassed the elf while she held her mother’s stone had been beautiful, if not a little unsettling. Winter guided Eve to the chaise and lowered her onto the cream leather. The Stone was still cupped in Eve’s hands. As much as Winter didn’t want to believe it, she was in no doubt that this, indeed, was the stone that could save them all.
Eve was lost in a torrent of information. The anger and pain she had witnessed had been immense. Now that she knew the origins of the Evil, she felt winded. How quickly circumstances could change, and what a profound effect those changes could have. She knew she should be elated. She knew how to use the Stone to defeat Nimayaorin - that was the name Cal had given the creature after her rebirth in Gloria - but all Eve could think about was: who had murdered his family to make him into the monster he had become? Were the two councils right to banish him after accusing him of such wickedness? She didn’t think so, no. The scenes that had played out before her were not of a cold mindless killer. Something more had happened. Who else had been involved? Eve wondered, her hands shaking. She could feel tears pricking the corners of her eyes.
“I’m sorry, I just needed a moment to organise my thoughts.” Eve smiled apologetically up at Winter, who was watching her from a few feet away, her icy blue eyes regarding her with a mixture of awe and caution. Looking down at the Aurora Stone, Eve knew there was no way she could leave without it. But how was she going to convince the princess to allow her to take it, her most prized possession and a memory of her mother?
You will know them by their stones.
Reena’s words floated through her mind. That was the answer! Winter must come with them; she was the third companion! But what if she was wrong? This wasn’t Winters stone to give and endangering a princess seemed reckless. Feeling conflicted, Eve turned to Winter.
“Your Highness, this is, indeed, the stone we have been searching for. I know how much it means to you. However, I simply must take it with me to save us all.”
Winter knew this was the case. Part of her was honoured to be able to help in such a momentous way, but the child that had lost her beloved mother was stamping her feet and screaming in her head that this was her stone, and that no one but her should have it. The two young women regarded each other. After what felt like an age, Winter sighed and agreed that Eve could take the Stone.
“However, I would like something in return. This is a rare and precious item to me. It cannot be replaced, and, should you perish in your attempt to save Orea, I shall never see it again,” Winter stated in a small voice, unsure for the first time in many years that her choice was indeed the right one. Her inner broken child was still kicking and screaming in protest. Forcing that part of her to be quiet, Winter stood and waited for Eve’s answer.
“What is it you would like? You could come with us if you wish.” Eve wasn’t sure what else she could offer. There was no possibility that any of them could stay. Eli could, she supposed, but then he would once again be somewhere she was not, and that thought was too simply painful.
“I have no wish to leave my home and fight a great evil; I am needed here. You have a witch amongst your group, well a halfling in a few hours. He could grant my request?”
Feeling bolder, Winter knew exactly what to ask for and how pleased her father would be if she managed to pull this off. Thinking of her father, Winter suddenly wanted to be with him.
Relief flooded Eve as she confirmed that yes, they had a witch with them, though he was not able to stay with the vampires, since he was needed to assist her in fulfilling her task. Winter nodded and assured Eve that she did not wish to keep the witch here.
“I would ask that he perform a spell that will aid my people in our own endeavours. Surely this is an acceptable trade for something so precious?”
“I am sure Caleb would be willing to help. As long as he is not asked to kill or enslave anybody, I am confident he will do his best to fulfil your request.” Eve hoped she was saying the right thing here. There was just no way that she could leave without the stone in her hands.
Content with the response, Winter suggested that they go in search of Eve’s companions to make the trade, and then they could be on their way. Eve agreed. She also reminded Winter that Caleb was now part vampire – if he survived. Seeming unfazed by this, Winter led them back through the maze of opulent corridors to the main hall. On reaching the bottom of the grand staircase, Eve was amazed to find dozens of vampires busy cleaning up the mess.
“Jason, have you seen Ariana at all? I need to know where she has taken a guest who was injured in the skirmish earlier,” Winter asked a tall vampire, his black hair falling into his eyes.
“I am pretty sure your guest is in the yellow room. I saw Grace enter not long ago with clean sheets and leave with blooded ones, Your Majesty,” Jason answered. His voice was silky smooth, and his eyes held Winters for a moment too long.
They are interested in each other, Eve thought as she watched the exchange, observing the gentle blush that coloured Winter’s cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes.
Thanking Jason, Winter led Eve down the corridor she had watched the others carry Caleb down earlier. Eve found her pace quickening; she wanted to see Caleb, to see with her own eyes that he was alive. Winter led her to the only closed door along the hall and knocked. Ariana opened it almost instantly.
“He has survived,” she informed them before stepping aside to allow them admittance.
The smell of blood was nauseating even though the girls had made every effort to keep the room as clean and sweet smelling as possible. The windows were open, and scented candles burned in holders on the fireplace. Eve noticed Jericho and Eli sitting by the fireside. They both rose when she entered. Giving them a quick smile, Eve stared at the figure in the large bed on the other side of the room, hardly believing it were possible. Caleb was resting against a mountain of cushions and pillows.
“Caleb…” Eve breathed, moving swiftly to be at his side. Within seconds, she found herself in a vice grip from behind. Ariana had grabbed her when she was a foot from the bed.
“NO! Do not move so fast! He is not long awake, and we do not know how he will react to your scent. Please, move slowly.” Ariana cautioned, letting go of Eve, and giving Winter an apologetic smile for manhandling her guest.
“I’m okay. I won’t hurt her,” Caleb assured them. He felt strange. He could hear everything, even the sound of a bird pecking the ground for its dinner down by the lake and the hum of someone’s voice on the other side of the castle. He could hear the heartbeats of everyone in the room and smell their scents. Caleb was amazed that his skin felt firmer and was a shade paler than it had been. He knew this must be his new vampire nature. It had all been explained to him once he had stopped vomiting fountains of blood and the pain that tortured every fibre of his being had ended. He was relieved to discover that the smell of the non-vampires in the room did not affect him at all. Smiling at Eve, he held out his hand to her, and moments later she was at his side, her small hand in his larger one.
“How are you feeling?”
“Not too bad, considering I have quite literally been through a life-changing experience!” Caleb chuckled as he reached with his free hand to tuck a stray piece of hair behind Eve’s ear, following the curve of her cheek down to her chin. Her cheeks flushed an enchanting pink. Eve removed Caleb’s hand from her face and braced herself for what could be a difficult conversation.
Looking about the room, Eve noticed that everyone was watching the two of them. Blushing once more, she gave Caleb’s hand a squeeze and left the bed. Walking over to Winter, she asked if it would be possible to discuss the proposal with Caleb and her friends alone. Winter was not happy about leaving the stone so soon, so she agreed - on the condition that she be allowed to stay, as she was indeed part of this now.
Asking her friends to return to the great hall and see how the clean-up was going, Winter closed the door behind them and turned the key, affording them privacy while they discussed the trade. Eve motioned for everyone to gather around the bed, so that they could all hear what was being proposed. From within her pocket, Eve withdrew the Aurora Stone for them all to see. There was a gasp, and the atmosphere became charged with joy and hope.
“It’s beautiful. To think, after all we have been through together, that you now hold the Stone in your hands,” Jericho whispered, his eyes wide with wonder. Caleb, too, was captivated by the stone. His eyes were glazed from unshed tears. He, second only to Eve, had endured the most on this quest, and to see the fruits of their labour was a truly emotional experience.
“Princess Winter has agreed that we may have the stone, though there must be a trade. The stone is of great importance to her on a very personal level, so I feel that it is fitting that we honour her request,” Eve explained while gesturing to Winter. Immediately, the men bowed. Even Caleb respectfully dipped his head from his seated position.
“Thank you for your respect, gentlemen. I am pleased you are so well recovered, Caleb, as it is you that I wish to speak with about the trade. My people, as you all know, are blood drinkers - we can’t eat normal food. We need fresh blood to replenish our own, and that is where the problem arises. We have found creatures, humans to be exact, whose blood sustains us like no other, and they are, for the most part, happy to let us partake. However, there have been cases where we have been spotted feeding. As you can imagine, secrecy is of the utmost importance; we don’t want to cause affray in the human world.
What I ask is for a spell to be cast over every vampire in my Coven so that we may alter the human's memories, so they may only remember a pleasant interaction, or in some cases that they not remember us at all if that is their wish.” Winter concluded her request with a small smile, hoping she had explained herself adequately.
The silence was deafening. Four pairs of eyes stared at Winter. It was Eli that broke the silence, which was a surprise, since, so far, he had kept quiet and followed the others without question.
“So, you want Caleb to enable you to feed on the same creatures - these ‘humans’ as you called them - over and over, and they will have a false memory of you? Do you not think that that is dishonest and morally wrong?” Eli asked incredulously, staring directly into the ice blue gaze of the Princess. Winter was worried that this was not going the way it should. How could she make them understand that they never killed the creatures they fed on? She had even made friends with some of the humans. This enchantment would not only protect the vampires and their human donors, it would protect all of Orea. The humans could never learn of their homeland. Their blood might be sweet, but Winter had seen how wicked they were to those they feared or wished to conquer. This charm would eliminate the risk of them finding their way back to Orea and discovering the existence of every creature in their world. She relayed this to the group and was relieved to see their expressions change from ones of shock to ones of pensive contemplation.
“I will try and perform the enchantment you wish, Princess. Although, since my change, I am not sure that I even still possess my magic,” Caleb answered. Winter looked horrified at his reply.
“What I mean is,” he continued. “My magic is born in my connection to nature and the Goddess. Now that I am part vampire, I do not know if my magic will be as potent or, indeed, there at all. But do not worry. I am a halfling now, so I should have retained something,” Caleb reassured the group, his eyes never leaving Winter’s. Nodding, Winter waited while Caleb climbed from the bed and moved to the middle of the room.
Caleb began to ground himself, and to his complete amazement, he felt a deeper connection to nature than ever before. Not having the time to ponder this, he completed this foundation stage to any enchantment and then turned to Winter.
“Please, I need to have contact with you in order to channel the magic into your kind.” Reaching out his hand, Caleb smiled at the princess. Hesitating only a moment, Winter walked to where Caleb was standing and took his hand. The difference in their temperature was not as great now that he was half vampire.
“Camouflage and misty sight,
Change perceptions and insights.
Vampire glamour, but do no harm.
Leave pleasant memories as a legacy,
Or disappear completely.
Goddess, hear me.
So mote it be.”
On completing the enchantment, Caleb knew it had worked. Even as a halfling he, too, had been affected by it. Winter could also feel a change within herself. Looking at her pale skin, she wondered how this new gift would manifest.
“You are now able to perform a simple glamour on the human donors and anyone else you need to. It will not hurt them. Just maintain eye contact and mean what you are telling them. This will enable the Coven to stay hidden. Though, know this, if you use what I have given to harm, the enchantment will backfire threefold, and that is not an experience you want to inflict on your people,” Caleb warned.
“Now that you have upheld your half of the trade, I shall uphold mine. You may have the Stone,” Winter said with tears in her eyes. She knew her mother would be proud of her negotiating skills.
“Thank you, Princess. We really must leave now if Caleb is up to it. Time is of the essence.” Eve thanked her and hoped that Winter would allow them to leave. The stakes had risen, and she was sure that the final battle was not far into the future.
“Yes, of course. Come, I will escort you out myself.”
&n
bsp; Leading them back along the corridor, Winter thought of her father and how he would react to her news. Smiling, she opened the huge front doors and proceeded the group onto the front steps.
“Thank you for all you have done and all you are about to do,” Winter murmured as she hugged Eve close to her. The two girls smiled at each other, and then it was time to go. Heading down the winding drive, Eve felt her connection with Sapphire flare. Something was wrong, very wrong.
“We must hurry, Sapphire needs us.” Eve urged as she broke into a run back towards the lake of the dead.
Chapter Twenty -Two
The return crossing was painfully slow, and the Ferryman was not happy about taking them at all. After paying yet more blood money, they boarded the ferry and made sure they all stayed in the centre of the deck, looking only at each other. Once the ferry reached the jetty, Eve was off like a rocket. She knew that Sapphire was worried, and that concerned her greatly. The others caught up with her, and they ran in the direction Eve led. It was not the one in which they had parted ways with Sapphire. She should have been on the bank waiting.
