The Lost & Cursed

by Rina S Mamoon

  “What are these?” Mara looked at some of the products, but they were no use to her. She put them back and moved on.

  She saw an opening. Peeking out, she found a large grove. The entire mountain was carved out from the inside with light pouring in from an opening in the ceiling. She was underneath Ghost Mountain, north to the towns of Désir and Har’ Yhan. Strange flora grew under the mountain, giving off light in the darkness. A lake was in the middle of the grove with a lone island and a large tree. She stared with wonder and awe, never seeing such a beautiful place before. Too bad Mara had to get back to town. She gave the place one last look before leaving.

  ***

  When Mara emerged, she found herself at the foot of the mountain. The town of Har’ Yhan was a fair distance away. Gazing at the town, Mara walked towards it. Once she reached Har’ Yhan, some townsfolk noticed and approached her warily.

  An old man was the first to say something. “What are you doing here?”

  Mara gazed back at him and simply replied, “I killed the Siren.”

  The townsfolk looked mystified.

  A young man stepped forward. “Then you must see the alderman.”

  The woman behind him nodded in agreement. “Yes, Jonathan must know.”

  They beckoned her to follow them. Mara joined them to meet Jonathan.

  “Hope we’re not too late,” the old man said.

  Mara gave a questioning glance. “Why do you say that?”

  “Commander White and a Holy Blade returned to the town earlier, claiming to have killed the Siren,” the young man answered.

  Mara looked at him and furrowed her eyebrows. It was bad enough they took her boat and stranded her, but now this? She shook her head. “No, they didn’t!” Mara exclaimed. “They couldn’t get close without being entranced.”

  The townsfolk were stunned to hear that, though not too surprised. The old man looked at her. “So, it’s true? Women are immune to the Siren’s song?”

  “Yah, they should have taken you with them,” the woman admitted. “At least more could have survived.”

  “Oh, they also claimed you died,” the young man said.

  Mara opened her mouth, but her words got stuck in her throat. This scenario became familiar. She quickened the pace and followed the townsfolk to Jonathan’s home. Mara was not going to let this happen again. While running through the town, she grabbed the attention of others. They followed her as she reached the alderman’s home.

  Allowing the small group to enter the house, Mara saw them. Commander White and Boyd were with Jonathan, about to get credit for the work she did. Before the alderman gave them their money, the townsfolk barged in. Jonathan and Boyd took notice. The commander didn’t turn around, refusing to acknowledge their presence.

  “What’s going on?” Jonathan asked. “Why are you here?”

  The old man stepped forward. “Sir, there’s something you must know.”

  The alderman shook his head. “Well, can it wait? I must finalize the payment.”

  The townsfolk parted and Mara walked through. Jonathan’s eyes widened. His mouth dropped open, but he was rendered speechless. Even Boyd looked at her with wide eyes and a mouth clamped shut.

  The alderman found his voice at last. “You… You’re alive?”

  Mara gazed at Jonathan’s shocked face, but her attention was drawn to the back of Commander White’s head. The commander snapped his head around to look at her. The rage radiated from his face and his eyes burned with intense hatred.

  Boyd leaned over to his ear. “So much for stranding her,” he whispered.

  The commander kept his glare on her. Mara heard Boyd’s words and glowered at them. Her suspicions were confirmed. Somehow, Boyd was nearby and helped Commander White while she slaughtered the Siren. They stole her boat, stranding her on purpose.

  Jonathan looked at Commander White and Boyd. “What’s going on? You told me she didn’t survive.”

  “They lied to you,” Mara said, looking at Jonathan. She turned her attention to the two and folded her arms. “They didn’t kill the Siren, I did.”

  The alderman looked back at her in shock.

  “No, you did not!” Commander White stormed up to her. “We killed the creature.”

  “Yeah, what a great job you did,” Mara retorted. “If not for me, you would have joined your men!”

  Jonathan looked at the commander, and then to her. He sighed and gazed down at the bag of gold in his hand. He began to approach her, lifting the bag to offer. The two men scowled at him.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Commander White demanded.

  “That’s our money!” Boyd yelled.

  Jonathan stopped and looked back at the two. “I’m paying the one who killed the Siren.”

  The commander’s face darkened. “We have an agreement.”

  “And I upheld the agreement. You got fifty percent in advance, but didn’t kill the Siren.” Jonathan looked at their clothes. “Your clothes are damp, but nary a spot of blood.” He looked at Mara’s outfit. “Her attire is soaked in more blood than water.”

  “Well, she’s not who she says she is,” Boyd claimed.

  Commander White glared at her and began to circle her. “Yes, it’s true.”

  Mara gazed at the two, realizing they were going to expose her. Before she could do anything, Boyd grabbed her arms from behind and restrained her.

  “Let me go!” Mara shouted.

  The commander reached for her mask. “Behold! This woman is a creature, just like the Siren.” He tore the mask off her face.

  Mara squeezed her eyes shut upon hearing the gasps, then it grew silent.

  After a moment, Jonathan spoke up. “She doesn’t look like the Siren at all.”

  Mara opened her eyes. She noticed the lack of reaction from the alderman and the townsfolk. Commander White and Boyd appeared to be the only ones surprised. The shocked expression on the commander’s face melted away. He scowled at Jonathan.

  “Didn’t you hear me? She’s a monster!” Commander White exclaimed, glaring back at her.

  The alderman and some of the townsfolk shrugged.

  “Seems plenty human to me,” Jonathan said.

  An old lady from the crowd smiled at Mara. “She’s really pretty, like a doll.”

  The commander whipped his head around and looked down at the townsfolk. Folding his arms, he shook his head and rolled his eyes.

  “Only peasants will think that,” Commander White grumbled.

  Mara noticed Boyd stealing a glimpse of her face. “Hmm, they got a point,” he admitted. “She isn’t hard on the eyes.”

  The commander snapped his gaze back onto Boyd and Mara. Boyd loosened his grip and she broke away.

  “Then you have low standards.” Commander White scowled at Mara and began to walk around her. “Why would anyone consider this beautiful? Her skin is mixed and imperfect. The hair is a messy mop.” He looked at her body. “Her bottom is big and round, and her thighs belong on a horse!” His eyes drifted to her lips. “And her lips are huge! She belongs in a whorehouse!”

  Mara’s jaw dropped. She felt like punching the commander in the face. A few compliments and this man went on a rant. His comments reminded her of the time her mother introduced her to a “nice boy”. Mara didn’t remember his face, but recalled his cruel comments. They were similar to the words the commander used to describe her.

  Boyd raised an eyebrow. “Odd, I thought she’s your type? Wasn’t your wife—”

  He froze upon seeing the commander’s death glare. Even Mara noticed—if looks could kill.

  “Sounds perfect to me,” a woman said. Hearing her voice, Mara saw a woman approaching them. Her curvy body had a smooth and pale complexion. Long black hair framed her slightly round face. Her hair was evenly parted to show her steel blue eyes. Some strands were tucked behind her ears, showing off her golden earrings. Her nose was quite thin and she possessed full lips. Her red and black dress showed a deep cleavage. W
hite pearls and a ruby pendant adorned her neck. The alderman and the townsfolk watched as she approached them.

  “Lady Lorelei,” Jonathan addressed her. “What are you doing here?”

  Lorelei gave a wry smile and placed her hands on her hips. “I’ve heard the Siren has been slain and wish to express my gratitude.” Looking at Mara, she studied her face. “Well, I’ll be,” she continued. “You’re a very beautiful woman.”

  “Thank you,” Mara replied. It felt great to get a compliment. Too bad Commander White ruined it with a mocking grunt. Mara turned around and looked at him. He stood there with his arms folded. The commander closed his eyes and frowned. Clearly, he didn’t share the older woman’s view. Mara shook her head at him.

  “Do not take his words seriously,” Lady Lorelei advised. “He only said those things because he’s not good enough.”

  Mara looked back at her. “I don’t.”

  Lorelei nodded. “Good, you should also know that he said similar things to other women. I’ve heard he saw Kallisto.”

  “And it’s a great privilege,” Commander White proclaimed, opening his eyes. “Her beauty so great, none can compare.”

  Both women looked at him. Lady Lorelei shook her head. “Did anyone tell you that gazing upon her will turn your heart into a lump of ice? Or skew your vision to see even the most beautiful as plain and ugly?”

  Mara looked intrigued. If this was true, no wonder why he acted like a jerk.

  The commander rolled his eyes. “Please! Only the jealous would make such excuses.”

  “Or is it a coping mechanism?” Lorelei argued. “It must be so hard to keep that vow of celibacy.”

  Some of the townsfolk caught onto the woman’s crude humour and laughed. Boyd also snickered, prompting a sharp frown from his superior. Only Commander White and Jonathan were unamused. The commander’s right fist tightened. He looked as if he wanted to hit this woman for humiliating him.

  Mara looked confused. “What is that?”

  Lorelei gazed at her. “A vow taken by the Holy Blades, to make sure they’re devoted only to Kallisto. That means no sex. Rumour has it—Commander White takes his vow most seriously.”

  Commander White glared at Lorelei. “How dare you mock me?”

  “My apologies, Commander White,” Lorelei addressed him, “but I’m not mocking you, I’m just stating facts. This woman risked her life to save you, only to be insulted. I’ve seen your kind, how they speak poorly of people like her.” She gestured to Mara. “Yet, hypocritically, those same nobles walk into my brothels and drown my girls in gold. Jasmine is a very popular one.”

  Mara glanced over at the commander and saw his humiliation. Commander White’s face began to turn red. He folded his arms and shook his head. “What do you know?”

  “I’m a woman of pleasure,” Lorelei proudly claimed. “I own a substantial part of the town, including all the brothels and most of the inns.” Changing the topic, Lady Lorelei looked at Jonathan and asked, “Did you pay this lady yet?” Jonathan looked back at her, shaking his head. Lorelei cast a sharp gaze onto him. “Well, what are you waiting for? Pay her!”

  The alderman nodded and handed Mara the bag worth three thousand gold.

  “That was my money you gave to those boys. A pity considering that all but two perished.” Lady Lorelei gazed at Commander White and Boyd. “It’s only fair she gets the other half. You got half your payment in advance, so it’s not like you’re walking away empty handed.”

  Commander White and Boyd stared at the older woman. The commander’s angry expression lightened up, though not by much. He regained his composure once again, holding his hands behind his back. The commander looked at Lady Lorelei with a nonchalant expression.

  “Very well,” Commander White said.

  Mara also gazed at Lorelei. “Thank you.”

  “No need to thank me. I’m sure this town is grateful for what you did.” She glanced at the other townsfolk. They nodded. There were murmurs of agreement. She gazed back at Mara. “Would you like to stay the night? I’m willing to pay for your meals and lodging.”

  Mara was surprised with the offer. Then again, it was very late and it took two days to get here. It would take another two days to return to Harold. She could leave in the morning.

  “Sure,” she replied.

  Lady Lorelei grinned. “Good,” she said, then looked at Commander White and Boyd. “What about you two?”

  Before the commander could say anything, Boyd piped up. “Sure! We’ll accept your offer. Who can turn down a free meal and bed?”

  Commander White gazed at him with an annoyed stare. “I’d rather not.”

  Mara, as well as a few other people, were taken aback by his response. Even Boyd took notice and turned to Commander White.

  “Karl,” Boyd began.

  “No!” Glaring at Boyd, Commander White lifted his right hand and pointed at him. “You’ll refer to me as Commander or Sir.” He lowered his hand. “And I have misgivings about staying here. I’ve heard this is the prowling grounds of the Succubus.”

  Mara was confused. “The what now…?”

  “You don’t know?” Commander White grew annoyed. “The Succubus is a vile demon that drains the life force of the men she seduces! It’ll be a mistake to stay the night.”

  Lady Lorelei shook her head. “That is untrue.”

  The commander scowled at her. “How would you know?”

  “It’s a creature from the old world,” Lorelei explained. “The story of the Succubus is meant to scare would-be cheaters. Besides, no man has ever died at my brothels. All your fears are for nothing.”

  “Sir, the lady is willing to pay for our meals and lodging for tonight,” Boyd added. “Besides, don’t you think this would serve as compensation for half of the money we didn’t get?”

  Commander White pondered his words. After giving it some thought, he turned his gaze onto Lady Lorelei. “Fine, we’ll take your offer.”

  Lady Lorelei smiled and beckoned them.

  ***

  The three followed their hostess to an inn for their meals and lodging. At the end of the dining hall was a large fireplace with a huge roaring fire. The warmth of the flames took the chill away. Several people sat at the tables, having a good time and drinking. Some had a little too much to drink. One man was passed out at a table, snoring loudly as a cat crept by his head.

  Mara wasn’t sure what to think of this establishment. She never stepped into such a place, or at least remembered being in one before. Looking at Boyd, she could tell he was thrilled. He watched the food and beverage being served. He also spotted some courtesans—hired women of pleasure, brought in by Lady Lorelei to entertain guests. Boyd liked this place.

  Too bad the commander was the opposite. “What a dump,” Commander White cringed, acting like no one could hear him. However, everyone within earshot heard his words.

  Ignoring him, Lorelei turned around and greeted her guests. “Welcome to the Black Smoke Inn,” she announced cheerfully. A female innkeeper walked up to them. Lorelei looked at her and instructed, “Get the special table ready. They’ll also be staying the night.”

  The innkeeper nodded and left to make the arrangements. Commander White stood beside Mara. He folded his arms and furrowed his eyebrows.

  “The Black Smoke Inn?” Commander White asked.

  Lady Lorelei glanced back at him. “Yes, I named this inn to celebrate a hero.”

  “Hero? The Black Smoke was a murderer.”

  “Maybe to you, but not everyone thinks this way,” she argued. “Bandits and killers were the only victims. The vigilante never went after innocent people.”

  “True, they were the lowest of the low, but they were still human,” Commander White defended.

  “And if a man is willing to take an innocent life, he’s no different from a beast,” Lady Lorelei said in a serious tone.

  Before the commander could retaliate, a woman wearing a dark purple bustle dress approached the th
ree. The black hood and veil obscured much of her face.

  “My dear Lorelei, you speak with great wisdom,” the woman said. “It was a great time to be anything except a thief or a killer.” She looked at Commander White with a visible smile. “A pity the Black Smoke was sentenced to death.”

  He stared back at her, looking disturbed to see her here. Mara recognized her. So did Lady Lorelei. She curtsied to her.

  “Ah, Lady Morgan of Désir,” Lorelei addressed.

  Morgan laughed in a light tone. “My dear, there’s no need for formalities. We’re friends after all.” She turned her gaze onto Mara and Commander White. “I see you’ve brought guests.”

  Mara noticed the older woman’s look on the commander and his increasing discomfort.

  Lady Lorelei nodded. “Yes, for helping the town, their meals and lodging is on the house tonight,” she explained. Then, “Perhaps you’d like to join us?”

  Morgan smiled. “I’m here for a different matter,” she hesitated. “Once I’m finished with this errand, I’ll join you.” With that, she left.

  Lady Lorelei looked to her guests. “I suppose we’ll have you seated. Please, follow me.”

  However, the commander didn’t budge. He stood there with his hands behind his back.

  “Excuse me, but I’d prefer to eat at another table,” Commander White said. Mara looked back to find a look of disdain on his face.

  Lorelei sighed. “Very well. You’re more than welcome to.” She gestured to another table. “I see your friend already made some accommodations for himself.”

  He turned around and noticed Boyd was not with him. Looking around, the commander spotted him at a table. Courtesans surrounded his subordinate while he flirted with them. To say the least, Commander White grew annoyed. Without saying a word or looking back at the two women, he walked over to them. Taking a seat, the courtesans swarmed him.

  Mara saw how unhappy he was. He sat there with his arms folded, his face pulled into a frown. The commander ignored the courtesans as they fawned over him. It looked amusing to see such an unpleasant person in an awkward situation. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she looked at Lady Lorelei.