The Aurora Stone

by G. S Tucker

  “Damn!” exclaimed Caleb, running his hands through his hair.

  “We need to move; the creature may already be dead, but it has one of my knives in its chest which means our location will soon be known,” Jericho added pulling his ears.

  “What’s more, if the creature isn’t dead, then the darkness will know that Eve is still alive!” Caleb concluded, casting a worried glance at Eve. Not wanting to wait around for the creatures, Eve knew would come, she ran up Sapphire's wing and beckoned for Jericho. Within moments Sapphire was airborne along with Eli in his bird form, there was a whoosh as Caleb shot skywards. Eve watched him vanish into a bright yellow lay line.

  “Let’s go, Caleb will meet us there,” Eve said as she gripped handfuls of snow white feathers.

  Moroak staggered from the portal room; the filthy Miscurts knife stuck through his heart. He needed to reach his master or failing that, another high-ranking Demon. The news he carried was not going to be well received, however, he must pass it on before the poison killed him. Leaning against the wall, Moroak made his slow painful way along the corridor, his joints were beginning to seize and his tongue was burning, soon it would be too painful to speak. Falling to the floor, he let out a cry of pain, hoping someone would find him so he could unload his burden and beg them to snap his neck and end the pain.

  Grimmer’s apprentice, Tor, found Moroak moments from death. He listened, horrified at the news and had him repeat it twice just to be sure. Once sure he had heard correctly, he killed Moroak and carried his body to his Master.

  Nimayaorin roared at the news, reaching out he pulled the knife from Moroak’s chest. Black tar-like blood oozed from the wound. He paced holding the knife aloft, his manic crimson eyes flashed in the candlelight.

  “So the girl lives, how is this possible? I saw her die!” Nimayaorin screamed, pacing to his Orb of revelation he demanded it show him the elf girl, he wished to see her in the flesh before he accepted this news. The orb did not show what he commanded, this had never happened before. Nimayaorin considered the possibility that Moroak was indeed mistaken. Unless…no…, He stopped the thought in its tracks, if Eve still lived, it meant she had returned from the dead and that would be catastrophic. “Tor, I want you to go to the border of Merion. Take the remaining ghouls and have them infect the Vampires. I shall create discord within the Kings house- hold, this shall keep our adversaries’ occupied until the legions arrive and finish her once and for all!”

  Nodding, Tor took the body and hurried from the room. After disposing of Moroak, he gathered the ghouls, there was only two dozen in total but that would be enough to cause trouble in the Coven of the Blood Moon. Feeling proud that he had been given such an important task, Tor put on his armour and led the ghouls to the portal room. He coveted Grimmer’s ruby and hoped that with success, he too would be as richly rewarded.

  They arrived a mile from the castle, Tor was not able to go any closer, so ordered the ghouls to go forth and create havoc, but no one was to be eaten. Once the deed was done, they were to get a possessed Vampire to lower the flag as a signal.

  Winter was making the final touches to her hair: her fake date was in an hour, and she still had to tell her father and report the guards. It was easy enough to discover their identities. The idiots had been heard taking bets on whether or not Archie would make it into her bed. She wondered how amusing their bet would be when they found themselves in the dungeons for endangering the Princess of the Coven, not to mention, for taking a bribe.

  Walking to her father’s chambers, Winter cast her gaze to the gardens beyond the large windows. It was getting darker, the twilight giving way to the inky blue of night, soon the stars would be out, and then Winter would climb onto the roof and use her new telescope to view the stars. It was one of her favourite places. Smiling at the thought of star gazing later, she quickened her pace wanting to get this business with Archie sorted, once and for all.

  The ghouls ghosted through the corridors, picking those of rank or who looked ready to rip someone’s head off. How fortuitous that the vampires were already wound up due to a lack of fresh blood. This was going to be even more enjoyable than they first thought. Once each one had picked a host all hell broke loose. Jŏrg, the ghoul picked to signal Tor, glided through the upper floors. Finally, she found the flagpole cables and slowly she lowered the flag. Satisfied her task was complete, Jŏrg set off in search of a Vampire to possess, and she knew exactly who she wanted.

  Winter was correct in her assumptions that her father would be extremely angry. The two guards were stripped of rank and thrown in the dungeon. He also agreed to meet with Archie in her place and make it very clear that any chance he may have had with his only daughter, were now ashes. Which is what he would become if he ever touched her again. Pleased that her problem was about to be solved, Winter kissed her father and hurried off to the tower; it was time for some star gazing.

  The tower was Winter’s special place; it contained all her treasures. Opening the door, she lit the candles; she had requested that this place was not modernised. The human’s technology was wonderful but the tower was her place and the candle light in her opinion, it made it all the more romantic. Walking to her mother’s old dressing table, Winter opened the drawer and withdrew a velvet box; inside was a stone about the size of a duck egg. Its many facets threw colours around its interior whenever light touched it. It was so very beautiful, her father had given it to her mother many years ago, and now it was hers. For her last birthday, she had commissioned the Royal jeweller to make a chain and cage for it so she could wear it at balls, Winter opened the cage and placed the stone inside. The thick rope of silver felt cool against her throat. Making her way to the trap door in the ceiling that would take her to the roof, and her beloved telescope, she glanced at herself in the mirror. The stone shone with otherworldly light. Pleased to have something of her mother’s so close to her heart, Winter climbed up and out into the clear black night.

  Jŏrg found her target; he was in the ornamental gardens, giving a younger vampire a piece of his mind; this amused the ghoul. She could have a lot of fun with this, and as luck would have it, the young Vampire had his head bowed, so he did not witness the second Jŏrg, took possession of the covan’s King.

  Fights were breaking out all over the castle when Winter returned around dawn, being so far away from the main building she hadn’t heard anything. It was only once she entered the lower corridor that she heard the sounds of fighting vampires and smashing china. Grabbing her grey hoody and zipping it over her necklace, she had forgotten to remove it in her haste to find Ariana and tell her all about the shooting stars she had seen. All of that was forgotten as she rushed along her wing, and out into the grand entrance hall. Immediately she had to duck, as one of the large copper urns that stood either side of the front doors, was launched across the hall, its intended target sprang up onto the banister of the grand staircase and was busy reaching for the claymore that was mounted on the wall just above his head.

  Not hanging around to find out the cause of the disagreement, heck the guy had a claymore! Winter ran down the main hallway, dodging fights and projectiles as she went. She reached the great hall and was shocked by what she found there It had turned into an arena. However, what was even more disturbing was that her father was in the middle of a fight with two other Vampires!

  This is not happening; I am asleep, this is a nightmare. Winter thought as she pinched her arm and open and closed her eyes, hoping that the reality would change back to how things should be. Even without opening her eyes after the second try she knew she wasn’t asleep. It was worth a try. Sighing, Winter decided to find a sane vampire and find out what had caused the sudden madness within the coven.

  Thankfully it didn’t take long; Winter found Ariana and Grace, one of her many cousins hiding in the laundry. Grace had a cut cheek which was half way to being healed, and Ariana was repositioning her dislocated shoulder. Winter grimaced at the sickening crunch of the joi
nt returning to its natural position.

  “What is going on up there? It was like a madness suddenly overcame some of the nobles and guards!” cried Ariana, as she stroked Grace’s hair.

  “I have no idea; I went to see my father, but he was…not himself,” Winter finished in a mumble, not wanting to remember the snarling face and bared fangs. How upset he will be when he comes to his senses, she lamented. Deciding it was at this time, too dangerous for them to wander the castle, they moved into one of the storerooms and made themselves comfortable.

  “At least from here we can see the Jetty, maybe if someone visits we can ask for help?” Mumbled Grace, ashen faced. Trying to swallow down her ire at the young girl, Winter didn’t comment. She was a princess, and there was no way she was asking any outsider for help. Her father could not be seen as he was right now, the shame it would bring him and his house, once he returned to himself, would be too great. No, we shall sit and wait for this storm to pass us over. She thought, though in her heart she knew it wasn’t going to be that simple.

  The flight to the border took all night. Dawn was just breaking as they landed at the edge of a great lake. This was not by choice; they seemed unable to fly across it.

  “More witchcraft,” grumbled Jericho as Sapphire glided to a perfect landing. Caleb and Eli were already on the ground.

  “It seems like we have to cross the traditional way,” said Caleb as he looked at the jetty.

  “Trouble is, I don’t see any boats,” piped up Eli, who had returned to his natural state and thankfully fully clothed, much to Eve’s relief.

  “When I said the old fashioned way, I meant ancient,” Caleb explained while walking purposefully along the jetty. Not sure what he meant, but having no other option they followed him as far as where the jetty met then bank.

  “Jericho, could I borrow a knife please?” He called while digging about in his pockets. Looking at the others, Jericho shrugged and walked along the old planks to where Caleb stood and handed him his gutting knife. To Eves utter horror Caleb then quickly slashed his palm with the razor sharp blade and placed four silver coins into his bloody grip.

  “Ferryman, Ferryman, we wish to cross the Lake.

  We have our payment; blood money is all you will take.

  Ferryman, Ferryman, four await your vessel,

  We are aware we cross at our peril.

  To sail on the lake of the dead.”

  The silence that followed was absolute, not even the water moved. Then before them materialised a great vessel, its mast was high, its sails grey and ripped. It was impossible for them to have caught a breeze, yet the boat moved through the oily water at speed. Once at the jetty, Eve was aghast but what she saw. A sailboat made entirely of creature bones. She could hear their screams, moaning she covered her ears and turned to bury her face in Sapphire’s breast.

  You can hear the souls of the ones who did not pay the Ferryman, dear one. Sapphire explained, their connection flaring.

  But they did pay Sapphire, they paid with their lives! I don’t want to get on the boat, there has to be another way. Eve replied as silent tears coursed down her cheeks.

  Have courage dear one, you will not be alone, and though I once again cannot join you. This time, our connection shall not falter, crooned the protector. Taking comfort and strength from her words, Eve wiped away her tears, picked up her bag and walked towards the nightmare that was the ferry.

  “You have summoned me, Boy. Payment I require and payment I shall have, be it blood, money or your bones. I shall have payment before you step aboard this vessel.” The Ferryman’s voice reached them on the jetty, but they could not see him.

  “We are a company of four, Ferryman, so four bloodied silver yits we have brought for payment,” Caleb replied to the sinister bodiless voice. He opened his hand to display the blood-soaked coins.

  Eve covered her mouth to stop the scream that almost escaped her. Out of thin air, a skeletal hand appeared, tattered ribbons of grey flesh hung loosely from the appendage. Following the hand up the owner’s arm, she was relieved to see a dark cowl covered the creatures body and face if indeed it had a face. Eve could not detect an aura at all. The gaping black opening of the cowl seemed to be just that, a pitch black and empty. This sent chills down her spine. The ferryman was not of this world.

  Taking the coins, the ferryman waved his arm and a gangplank appeared.

  “Climb aboard, though remember, it is at your own risk that you sail these waters. If you wish to live, do not be led,” the creature said as he proceeded the group on board. Looking at Caleb, she reached for his hand, only to remember he had hurt himself to make the payment.

  “It's fine, Eve. I have already healed the wound,” he assured her, showing his palm as proof. Taking his hand, she boarded the ship along with the others. Looking about, she saw there were no seats of any kind and the floor was filthy.

  “How long will it take to make the crossing?” she asked Caleb just to fill the eerie silence.

  “It takes as long as it takes, Light Carrier. It really depends on each of you.” Came the ferryman’s reply from directly behind her. Yelping, Eve scrambled away and turned to face him. “Yes I know who and what you are, Evangeline. Though you need not fear me, I take no sides but my own,” he said before heading for the wheel.

  “What does he mean, Caleb, it depends on us?” Eve squeaked, she clutched his arm in a vice grip, which made Caleb wince.

  “He means; the lake can play tricks on the mind. If we are distracted by its trickery, time becomes warped for us here, like a kind of limbo, but in actual fact, it carries on as normal everywhere else. I have heard tales of people being lost on this lake for years.” Seeing the look of complete horror on her beautiful face, Caleb realised far too late that, that could possibly have been the most stupid thing he could have said. I am a moron! Goddess forgive me. He thought while mentally kicking himself. Taking her in his arms, he held his love, while humming a song hoping to soothe her anxiety, and forget his stupid comment.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The boat barely stirred the waters as it carried the foursome across the lake. Eve tested her connection with Sapphire and was pleased to find it was still active. Caleb held on to her, humming a sweet song, which helped to calm her. He also kept her away from the sides. Though she didn’t know why Eve didn’t care, the last thing she wanted to see was the murky waters of this lake and to be close enough to see the grain in the bones that made up the ship.

  Eli and Jericho were standing together by the mast, neither had anything to say, Eli glanced at the Miscurt every so often, only to find his stance and expression had not changed. Sighing, he moved to the port side and looked out at the mist that hung like cobwebs over the grey waters. After a few moments, Eli noticed a person swimming in the lake beside the boat, then another. Leaning over to get a better view, he was shocked to see his parents. Though he had been just a babe in arms when he was abandoned, his heart would know his mother anywhere. How beautiful she was, with her long hair flowing out behind her.

  “Mother, Mother! It’s me, Eli! Let me help you aboard,” he called. Leaning further over the side to reach out to his mother. Caleb looked up and more roughly than he intended, pushing Eve from him and ran to Eli all the while calling for Jericho. Startled, the Miscurt reached Eli at the same time Caleb did.

  “Mother! It’s me, Eli, reach for my hand,” he called out again, now only the tip of one boot was touching the deck.

  “Grab him, Jericho, but do not look into the water!” Caleb yelled, having to compete with Eli’s calls to his mother. Nodding, Jericho grabbed the distressed elf, just has he pitched forward over the side. It was at this point Eve rushed over. Shouting to her to keep back and not to look into the water, Caleb reached over Jericho, which was no mean feat, and placed his hands over Eli’s glazed eyes.

  “But…what’s happening? Eli says our mother is down there how can he know that he has never seen her?. Eve asked as she moved closer to t
he rail.

  “NO!” shouted Caleb his eyes flashing with fear. “There is no one in the water, it is the curse of the lake. Those who gaze into its waters will see what their heart yearns for, it is what kills people. They think they see someone they love or something they covert and over they go to get it. Once in the water, there is no getting back on this vessel,” he explained.

  Ashen faced, Eve moved back to the middle of the deck and covered her face with her hands and wept.

  Thankfully Eli, exhausted by his ensnarement of the lake, fell asleep. Jericho carried him back to the mast and sat with him, all the while keeping a vice-like grip on his right ankle should he awaken and feel the need to return to rescue his mother. The next hour or it could have been a week, nothing changed on the lake of the dead, there was nothing but the silence. Caleb held Eve until her tears stopped and then resumed his humming.

  Suddenly there was a grinding sound and the ferry slowed, then stopped.

  “We have arrived,” came the voice of the ferryman. Eve did not need telling twice, as soon as the gangplank appeared she was across it and back on solid ground. Eli came to, the moment he was placed on the bank. He was groggy for a few minutes, but soon he was fully himself and horrified at his behaviour, but saddened that the vision had not been real.

  “There will be time for lamenting lost loved ones later, now we must move. We still do not know if that creature made it back alive, it is better we find the Princess and retrieve the Stone as soon as we can.” Jericho stated, his tone clearly implying that negotiation was no an option… Getting their packs together, they turned to face inland and joy of joys only a few miles away they could see the brown walls of a castle.