The Lost & Cursed

by Rina S Mamoon

  The barmaid nodded and left. A few minutes later, she returned with food. Mara watched the meal before her. The smell of the meat filled her nostrils, making her mouth water. As soon as the server walked away she removed her mask to eat.

  “Now I get to see your face,” Saskia began, giving a wry smile.

  Mara glanced up and saw Saskia observing her, the smile fading from her face. The red-haired woman’s expression changed to confusion, and then her face contorted in horror. She opened her mouth, but her words got stuck in her throat.

  Mara looked baffled. “Something wrong with my face?”

  Saskia stared at her with a serious look. “You don’t even know, do you?” Mara shrugged in response. The red-haired woman gaped at her and questioned, “You’ve never seen your face?”

  “No, what’s wrong with it?”

  Saskia took a deep breath. “Well, I admit you look… very raggedy,” she put it as gently as possible. “Definitely not what I was expecting.”

  “I do?” Mara began to feel insecure. She searched for a reflection, but all the plates and cups were either made of wood or dull metal. Even the knives and forks provided little help. Mara lifted her left hand and immediately felt how thin her face was. Her cheeks were sunken. Even through her gloves, Mara could feel her rough skin. Her fingertips traced the four scars on the left side of her face. She began to tremble. “This is why she told me to never show my face.”

  Saskia looked confused. “Who?”

  “The creature with seven eyes and a red hood. She called herself the Watcher.”

  “The Watcher?” Saskia reached to the right and retrieved the black book. The cover possessed some gold trimmings and a blue gem.

  Mara eyed the book. “What’s that?”

  Saskia looked back at her while placing it on the table. “This is a bestiary.”

  “A beastly?”

  “A bestiary! A monster index,” Saskia corrected her, opening the book. Mara noticed the illustrations of monsters and the words written about each one. Saskia flipped through the pages. “These are all the creatures found in Ardana, other than the normal ones.” Going through each page Saskia read the names out loud. “Undead, vampires, werewolves, darklings, snow beasts, ghouls, and shadow beasts. Just to name some…”

  The red-haired woman turned the page to show another creature. Mara’s eyes widened upon seeing a certain monster. She immediately reached over to stop Saskia’s hand. Mara kept gazing at the page.

  “I’ve seen this creature,” she said.

  Saskia stared at her. “You have?”

  Mara glanced up at her and nodded.

  Saskia looked down at the page and studied it. “The Dark Dweller: a deformed humanoid creature with a bird-like head and four bulging eyes. Limited sight, but remarkable hearing.”

  “The Watcher told me how to avoid it. That if I remained still, it couldn’t see me.” Staring at the illustration, Mara recalled the creature’s low guttural growls; it echoed in her mind. The red-haired woman watched her, then looked down.

  “Sounds like you had a very rough time,” Saskia murmured, glancing up at Mara again. “I’ve been thinking about our encounter this morning. You said you came from the Dark Labyrinth?”

  “The Dark Labyrinth?” Mara looked back at her.

  Saskia nodded. “It’s an underground labyrinth that spans throughout Ardana. The closest entrance is on Golden Mountain, just outside this village. That area was once a mass grave,” she explained. “Nowadays, the Faith of Kallikratés uses it to punish blasphemers.” Saskia watched her. “So, did you cause offence?”

  Mara was taken aback. “I don’t know. I don’t even know how I got there!”

  Saskia watched her reaction and sighed. “I won’t judge, but if you were put there and escaped, someone must’ve noticed by now. Let’s keep this between us. The labyrinth is very dangerous. It’s the main source of all these creatures.” She turned the page. “No mentions of this Watcher. Must be a new creature.” Saskia turned the page again.

  Mara noticed the new section. “What are these creatures?”

  Saskia stopped. “These are the Undying. They are cursed and can’t be killed by conventional means.” She pointed to a creature. “And this one plagues Ozin.”

  Mara looked at the illustration of an undead woman in blood-soaked robes. Her left arm was replaced by some sort of plant or root. Her midsection rotted away with roots growing from within. Long white hair covered her face and an eerie glow from her eyes pierced the shadows. She saw the title.

  “The White Lady,” Mara read out loud.

  “She’s been terrorizing this village for a few centuries, stealing several children,” Saskia explained, frowning at the image. “She’s the source of the Forgotten Ones. Last week, a young one went missing. We searched, but I fear he’s gone. No doubt she has returned.” Saskia kept her eyes on the White Lady’s image. “Stories claim she was an expectant mother who was slain by her husband. She returned as a monster, trying to find her lost unborn child.” She took a deep breath. “Ozin used to sacrifice children to appease her. I sought to put an end to the sacrifices…”

  Saskia looked up at her, putting the book away. She gestured to Mara’s plate and said, “Eat your dinner before it turns cold.”

  Mara looked down at her plate and began to eat. While eating, she noticed something unusual with her meal. The meat tasted fine, but the vegetables didn’t agree with her tastebuds. Even the milk seemed tasteless. She glanced up at Saskia. The red-haired woman didn’t seem to notice as she ate her meal with no problems. Mara glanced down and did her best to stomach her dinner. She didn’t want to come off as rude.

  ***

  While dining, they heard a bell ring. Mara glanced up and saw Saskia looking out the window. Dread adorned her face. She also looked out, seeing a thick fog roll in.

  “The warning bell,” Saskia muttered under her breath.

  Mara gazed back at her. Judging by the look on Saskia’s face, she reckoned it meant trouble. A group of men stormed the inn, appearing to be searching for someone.

  Saskia stood up and watched them. “What’s going on?”

  One of the men glanced back at her. “The Forgotten Ones are here!”

  The red-haired woman sighed and looked at Mara. “Come on, we could use the help.”

  Mara gawked at her and hoped Saskia was kidding, but her face indicated otherwise. She reluctantly rose from her seat. Putting her mask back on, Mara followed Saskia.

  Exiting the inn, Mara discovered the fog enveloping the whole village. The sky was pitch black. The torches wielded by the villagers offered no solace. Mara stayed close to Saskia, following her to the guards’ quarters to get weapons. It didn’t take long to reach the building. She saw the racks of weapons outside. Every able-bodied villager took a sword. Saskia grabbed two blades.

  “Here, this is for you.” She handed one of them over to Mara. “Weapons forged with a steel and silver alloy are more effective on monsters.”

  Mara took the weapon and unsheathed the blade, revealing a steel and silver straight sword with a leather grip and metal pommel. She looked up at Saskia.

  “Follow me and stay close,” the red-haired woman said in a serious tone.

  Saskia turned around and entered the fog. Mara followed her as well as a group of men. To be honest, she felt frightened and didn’t know what to expect. She never heard of the Forgotten Ones before. The group stopped, ready to face their foes. Mara looked ahead, but was unable to see anything. After a few seconds, she saw a pair of glowing white orbs piercing the thick veil. A ghastly howl grew closer. She heard a man scream. Mara looked to her right and saw him vanish. Another cried out, grabbing the attention of the others. Another villager was taken.

  A man stormed past her. “We’re sitting ducks! We need to split up!”

  Saskia glared at him. “No, that’s what they want us to do,” she argued.

  A loud gurgling sound drew everyone’s attention. Mara
saw long skeletal fingers wrapped around a man’s face. With a sickle in the other hand, the creature slit his throat, butchering him like an animal. Saskia tried to confront the creature, but it fled into the fog. It grew quiet. Mara looked around, trying to find the creatures.

  A woman’s scream broke the silence. “My children! They’ve taken my children!”

  Chaos and panic ensued. The men fled to find the woman and save her children. Only the two women remained. Mara looked around frantically, holding the blade before her. She couldn’t see the creatures for they moved swiftly, but could hear their ghastly howls fly past her ears. A hand reached over and grabbed her shoulder. Mara spun around to see Saskia glaring at her.

  “It’s too dangerous now! We’re outnumbered!” Saskia dashed past her. “We need to make sure no more children are being taken.”

  Saskia took off at full sprint. Mara tried to catch up, but got lost in the fog. She kept running, hoping to find Saskia again. She heard a scream and stopped. In the thick and heavy fog, Mara found a house with the front door wide open. The whimpers of two small children came from within. Their fearful cries compelled her to dash to the door.

  Entering the house, she saw a Forgotten One approach a mother and her frightened children. The hideous and lanky creature stood about a foot taller than a fully grown man. It wore filthy rags around its thin waist and bony shoulders. Mara took a step forward. The mother noticed her as well as the monster. It turned to look at her. Glowing white eyes pierced through the long dirty hair, paralyzing Mara. The creature released a high-pitched scream and dashed at her with a sickle in hand. It swung its weapon at her. Mara raised her sword to block the hit. The Forgotten One struck again, continuing to scream at her.

  She was overwhelmed. Mara fell to the ground, wondering what she was thinking trying to take on this creature. Her mask fell off. Mara looked up to see the creature ready to strike. She squeezed her eyes shut and waited for the end.

  A few seconds passed and nothing happened. Hearing the sickle fall to the ground, Mara opened her eyes. She looked up at the Forgotten One. The creature fell to its knees and held out its hands. Mara could only watch as the long bony fingers reached for her face. Cold sharp nails touched her left cheek, making her wince. Mara shut her eyes tight.

  “Mo… ther…”

  Mara opened her eyes and looked at the monster, wondering why it called her “mother”. The creature trembled as tears spilled from its eyes.

  “Mo…ther… Mother… Moth—”

  The creature stopped. Mara saw the tip of a spear emerge through the monster’s chest. The Forgotten One died instantly as the glow in its eyes faded away. She remained frozen, unable to register what happened. Overwhelmed by everything, she passed out, but not before hearing Saskia’s voice calling to her.

  “Are you okay? Can you hear me?”

  Unable to answer, Mara slipped away.

  Chapter Two

  The White Lady

  The morning sun greeted Mara. She found herself in an unfamiliar room, laying in bed. The room was small and cramped. Even the window was tiny. Birds sang a melodious tune outside, serenading the morning. She stared out the glass, watching the tiny creatures flitting by.

  “You awake yet?” Saskia called from beyond the door.

  Mara got up and left the room. She entered a large room where the kitchen and the living room were one. Looking around, she found Saskia seated at the table, eating some breakfast. The red-haired woman waved at her.

  “Hey, great to see you’ve awakened. I got breakfast: bread from the bakery in Mirahyll, some dried fruit from the Delta Farms, and some cheese from the village goat.”

  Mara joined her, helping herself to some food. She removed her mask to eat, but noticed Saskia’s apprehensive stare. The other woman stopped eating, her appetite likely gone.

  “Sorry if I look revolting,” Mara murmured.

  Saskia shook her head. “No, it’s okay,” she said softly. “I understand. Ending up in a dangerous place and with no memory… talk about having your share of misfortunes. Speaking of which—able to remember anything?”

  Mara shook her head. Taking a bite from the cheese, she noticed again that there was no taste. Even the bread and the dried fruit lacked flavour. To say the least, Mara’s appetite was going quickly.

  Saskia shrugged. “Well, that may be the least of your worries.”

  She looked up at her. “You mean last night?”

  The red-haired woman sighed, “Ozin was attacked by the Forgotten Ones last night. Six adults died and four children went missing. The White Lady has returned. I guess it is time.” Saskia glanced at her with intent in her eyes. “I have an idea. We’ll find the White Lady and slay her ourselves.”

  Mara gaped at her. “Didn’t you say she can’t be killed?”

  “Yes, however, the creature should be easy to slay. I know this because I killed her ten years ago. Even if we can’t kill her permanently, a decade is better than nothing. It may spare a generation or two.”

  Mara shook her head. “How can such a creature exist?”

  “Magic infects this land,” Saskia explained. “If magic comes into contact with a living thing, it can change them. Cadavers can rise as monsters. So, it is custom in Ardana to burn corpses soon after death.” The red-haired woman gazed at her and asked, “Well, what do you think?”

  Mara looked at her, unsure what to think. Saskia sighed again.

  “Look, I know you’re not crazy about this plan of mine, but I saw you last night. You were scared, but showed some courage. I saw you run into that home to save those children. You’re not the best swordsman, but you gave it your all, and that says a lot considering…” Saskia shook her head and a frown formed on her face. “I know I shouldn’t be asking you, but I’ve no choice. This village will go back to their old ways, thinking it’s the safer route. But more innocent lives will be lost.” Mara was taken aback by her speech. Saskia’s frown became a look of determination. “I can see it in your eyes. You don’t like seeing children get hurt. You have a conscience and that’s something I haven’t seen in a long time.”

  Mara kept watching her. The red-haired woman brought up some strong points.

  “Fine, I’ll help,” Mara said. Saskia stared at her, appearing surprised that she agreed. Mara wagered she was expecting her refusal.

  A small smile formed on the red-haired woman’s face. “Good, I’m glad you feel the same.”

  “So, where do we find the White Lady?”

  Saskia rose from her seat and approached the fireplace mantle. Pulling a large map down, she returned and placed it on the table. The map of Ardana had various locations etched on it, but Saskia pointed to a spot west of Ozin.

  “The White Lady is deep within Misty Valley,” Saskia explained. “We’ll find her beyond the derelict village and the waterfall. Should take about half an hour to get there.” Saskia glanced at Mara with a serious expression. “I will warn you—she can be very dangerous. The White Lady can drain the life force from her victims. But with the two of us, she shouldn’t be a problem.” She gave an optimistic look. “I’ll make sure you survive this and we’ll celebrate. I’ll pay for your meal tonight—all you can eat.”

  Mara nodded in agreement. Saskia retrieved their swords.

  “Here…” Saskia handed Mara one of the blades. “I don’t think the guards will mind if we use these for one more hunt.”

  Taking her sword, Mara strapped it onto her belt. Saskia led her out. They began their journey to Misty Valley.

  ***

  As soon as the two left Saskia’s home, a group of villagers confronted them. Leading the group was a tall man in his late fifties to sixties. Accompanying his silver hair was a growing beard and moustache. A brown coat was worn over a white dress shirt. He wore matching brown pants and black shoes. The man glared at the two through round glasses. Mara looked at him, wondering who he was. Saskia sighed.

  “Alderman Nigel,” the red-haired woman greeted, “
didn’t expect to see you this morning.”

  The alderman scowled at her. “What is the meaning of this? Six are dead! Four are missing!”

  “Yes, I’m aware of this,” Saskia said calmly, “and we’re going to Misty Valley to slay the monster.”

  “You’ll do no such thing,” Nigel hissed. “We’re going to have a discussion about your ineptitude in last night’s events!”

  Mara was shocked. She stared at Nigel with wide eyes, then to Saskia. Even the red-haired woman was stunned. Saskia’s jaw dropped.

  “Ineptitude?” Saskia scowled back at him, raising her voice. “First, the White Lady has been inactive for almost a decade because of me. Second, your men died because they refused to listen. But I guess this is what happens when you train a bunch of ordinary folks rather than hire real professionals.”

  Everyone glared at the two women.

  “Well, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that for now on we’ll be using the Holy Blades instead of the Silver Thorns,” Nigel told Saskia, the sour expression remained on his face. “You’ll no longer have a place in our village!”

  Mara couldn’t believe her ears. She also wondered who the Holy Blades and the Silver Thorns were. She was unfamiliar with either group. Mara looked at Saskia’s face. The red-haired woman looked as if she wanted to punch Nigel in the jaw. Saskia turned her gaze onto Mara.

  “Go on without me. I’ll meet you there. And do not engage the monster alone. Just stay at the entrance and we’ll take her on together.”

  Mara looked back at her. “Are you sure?”

  Saskia nodded and glared back at Nigel. “Yes, I need to speak to the alderman… to remind him who’s been keeping his village safe.”

  Mara walked past them, still feeling the glares of the villagers.

  ***

  Mara traveled west to Misty Valley. Leaving Ozin Village, it grew eerily quiet. No birds were present on the path she was headed. The derelict village was enshrouded by a heavy fog. Still, she was certain that this was the place, pointed out by Saskia’s map. As Mara drew closer, the fog reached out and enveloped her. Something fell from the sky. At first she thought it was snow, but it wasn’t cold and looked grey. They were ashes. The smell of smoke reached her nostrils.