Allen and the Watcher took notice.
“Mara?” Allen asked.
Mara placed her hood back on, then lifted the mask over her mouth and nose. She was ready to walk out the door.
“Hey, if we explain to her what’s going—”
“No, it was a mistake coming here!” Mara snapped. She began to walk out the door. Nothing Allen or the Watcher said would stop her.
“Mara…” a frail female voice called. Mara froze, then turned to look at the one who said her name. Her mother gazed at her with a raised arm. After hearing Allen call Mara’s name, Mrs. Ashwood realized the creature beside her bed was her daughter. Tears filled her old eyes. “I’m sorry.”
Both Mara and Allen watched her.
“Mrs. Ashwood,” Allen addressed. “Mara came to see you. She may have died thirty years ago, but she came back to tell you it’s not your fault.” He gazed at Mara. “Isn’t that right?”
Mara looked at him, then her mother. She closed her eyes and revealed her face. While the hood and mask came off, her canines had already shrunk and the dark markings were almost faded. She opened her eyes to reveal they were no longer glowing.
“Yes, I forgive you,” Mara said as tears filled her eyes again. She approached her mother. The daughter reached out to hold Mom’s hand, but the withered hand fell down limp. The strength of its owner was no more. Mara stared at her mother with wide eyes. Mom exhaled and closed her eyes for the last time; she went with a smile on her face. The daughter stood frozen as she watched her mother die before her eyes.
Allen and the Watcher looked on in silence. After watching her mother’s departure, Allen placed a hand on Mara’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “Your mother blamed herself for your death, but I believe seeing you and gaining your forgiveness allowed her to go in peace.”
Mara grew silent. She looked at her friend, her eyes red from crying.
“Thank you,” she said in a quiet voice.
The Watcher approached them. “We should leave. The doctors and nurses will arrive soon.”
“You’re right.” He glanced at Mara. “We should go.”
As the three left, Mara looked at her mother’s body one last time.
“Goodbye, Mom…”
***
The walk home was quiet; the silence bothered Mara. She looked down at the ground as they returned to the laboratory.
“I hear the prophecy is about to pass,” Allen began.
“No thanks to me,” she muttered.
He sighed. “I’m not one for religions, and prophecies don’t strike a chord with me.”
“Why bring it up?” Mara sighed, “It no longer matters. The Faith painted me as this Cursed Herald. Quite fitting since I broke most of the seals to the Dark One.”
“That wasn’t your fault. You were just at the wrong place, at the wrong time,” Allen said.
As they walked, Mara spotted an information board. A wanted poster, depicting a familiar face, was pinned on. She recognized the short black hair and smug expression.
‘WANTED: Boyd Masterson. Reasons: For the crime of desertion. If spotted, please report to the Holy Blades. Reward pending…’
She stopped and stared at the poster. The other two took notice and stopped as well.
“What’s wrong?” Allen asked.
Mara approached the poster and took it down. She studied it for a while before glancing up at him. “The Faith is looking for Boyd.”
He gazed at the notice. “Yeah, the Holy Blades are questioning his whereabouts. If they find him, they’ll execute him. Desertion is punishable by death.”
She recalled the last time she saw Boyd.
“I helped him escape,” Mara revealed. “I ran into Boyd during my last escape from the Dark Labyrinth. He told me a bunch of things in order to save his own life.”
Allen raised an eyebrow. “Really? Like what?”
Mara took a deep breath. “About Saskia… Commander White killed her and had him frame me,” she revealed. “Boyd claimed it was to recapture me. The commander also tricked Heru into abducting me. I took the cure, but it angered Heru so much, he wanted to kill me. So, I stabbed him in self defence. Then Commander White took advantage of Lady Isabella’s hatred of Kallikratés, anticipating her to abduct him and Mr. White. And he tampered with the seal on the Black Tower, putting himself in danger because he knew I’d save him.”
Allen’s jaw dropped. “The Faith is behind the seals failing? Why didn’t you say anything?”
She shrugged. “Didn’t know if it was true. Boyd could’ve said those things to save himself.”
“Okay, but these are some pretty significant details.”
“You believe him?” Mara questioned. “The same man who exposed my secret and framed me in Saskia’s murder—a murder he had a part in.”
“After he was kicked out of the Guardsmen, the Holy Blades took him in,” Allen reminded her. “He was declared by Commander White to be under the Faith’s protection. As a result, he was untouchable. They might have known all along. Saskia and the others were known enemies of the Faith. I wouldn’t be surprised if they orchestrated the possessors’ deaths, and used you to avoid suspicion.”
“Why are they breaking the seals?” Mara asked. “Don’t they realize it’ll awaken the Dark One?”
Allen’s face fell. “Maybe there is no prophecy,” he murmured. “It’s all about power—to control and manipulate others for their benefit. Father was right.” Allen said, “My dad once told me Kallikratés benefits those who can fill their coffers. It’s why most of their members are nobles. In the last few days, many of the Faith’s members fled to Corlin.”
Mara stared at him. “The prophecy is fake? What about the rebirth of Lord Kratés?” She revealed, “Karl is his reincarnation. Now he’s with Kallisto, who was disguised as High Priestess Alena all along.”
Allen looked surprised. “Are you sure?”
“Wish I wasn’t, but it’s true. I saw it with my own eyes.” Mara frowned. “I don’t care if he’s the reincarnation of the God-King.” She turned away, envisioning Karl before he became the commander. “Kallisto changed him.” She then discarded the wanted poster.
Allen gave a sombre look. He remained quiet while they returned to his home laboratory.
***
When they approached Allen’s workplace, they found the door forced open.
“What the hell?” The doctor grew upset about his laboratory being broken into. He ran inside with Mara and the Watcher not too far behind.
While running in, Mara saw three carriages outside the building. They appeared familiar, but by the time she figured who the transports belonged to, it was too late. The Holy Blades surrounded them as soon as they entered. Mara unsheathed her Silver Thorn long sword. Godstruck was concealed under her cape. She had no intentions of letting the enemy know she possessed the weapon. The three friends were outnumbered.
One of the Holy Blades announced, “We are seeking the woman named Mara.”
Mara glanced at the one who called her name.
“What do you want?” Mara demanded.
“Queen Kallisto demands your surrender. You are to return to Golden Mountain with us.”
She frowned. “Why should I?”
“You don’t have much of a choice,” a familiar male voice replied. The Holy Blades parted and a single man stepped forward. The dark grey long coat fitted with armour and a red cape was familiar. Commander White stood with his hands behind his back, giving his classic glare. “We have Doctor James Moen.”
Allen gaped at him. “You took my brother?”
Commander White nodded. “Yes, we’ve arrested him under the suspicion of conspiring against the Faith. However…” He glanced over at Mara. “If she surrenders, we may release him.”
The doctor scowled at the commander. “You abducted my brother so you could force her to surrender? You can’t do this!”
The commander gave a nonchalant look. “I’m
afraid we already have.” He glared at Mara. “The choice is yours.”
Mara frowned. She couldn’t believe he would do this. Commander White stood his ground, not caring if an innocent life hung in the balance. She believed she didn’t have a choice, but an epiphany struck her. A window of opportunity opened, and revenge was still on her mind. She took a step towards the Holy Blades.
Allen watched in horror. “Mara, no!”
The Watcher stepped forward and raised her right hand. A wall of light formed between them and the enemy. The Holy Blades gasped in shock at the wall of transparent blue light. Mara stared at the wall, then looked back at the Watcher with glowing eyes.
“Let me go,” she addressed the Watcher. Mara gazed at Allen. “You have to let me go.”
“There has to be another way,” Allen said. “You don’t have to sacrifice yourself.”
“I can save him.”
“It’s been thirty years!”
Mara gave a sympathetic look. “Yes, but your brother is still alive.” She took Allen’s right hand. “Many lives were lost because of me. If James dies, would you forgive me? I wouldn’t live with myself, so please,” she pleaded.
Allen stared at her and sighed. “Let her go,” he ordered.
The Watcher obeyed and dispelled the barrier. Mara began to approach them. She looked back at Allen while their hands parted.
“It’ll be okay. I’ll come back.”
She put on her hood and left with the Holy Blades, hoping she was right.
Chapter Four
Now or Never
Mara sat in the carriage as it drew near Golden Mountain. The sun was setting and night would soon fall. She stared out the window, avoiding eye contact with the commander, who was also in the carriage. Although she could see his reflection in the glass. Commander White glared at her with folded arms, then he turned away and gazed out the window on his side. She took a brief glimpse at him. The commander hadn’t aged a day despite thirty years passing. Mara could also smell a faint scent of alcohol in his direction. After a moment, she switched her attention onto the snowy scenery.
“Was it worth it?” Mara began.
“What are you talking about?”
“What did she offer you?”
“None of your business,” came his cold response.
She frowned. “How could you say that? Does our past mean nothing to you?”
“Kallisto is my everything,” he claimed.
She shook her head. This wasn’t the same man who asked for her hand in marriage.
“Why is the Faith hunting me?” Mara inquired.
“You already know, Cursed Herald.”
Mara kept her frown while looking out the window. “That’s not what Boyd told me.” She saw his reflection glaring at her. She now got his attention. “Ran into him before I escaped. We had a very interesting conversation.”
The commander kept his fiery gaze on her.
“What did he say?” Commander White demanded.
Mara had clearly obtained some information confidential to the Faith; no one else was supposed to know. Returning her gaze to him, she remained unfazed by his look of contempt. “You murdered Saskia and had me framed. And you used me to kill Heru, Lady Isabella, and Anna.”
He kept staring at her, the hatred still radiating from his face. Then the commander turned away. She watched him pull a flask out of his pocket. He undid the cap and took a swig. Mara kept frowning. Her former fiancé was never a heavy drinker. What happened to him?
***
When they reached the temple, the carriage stopped. The commander was the first to exit, but not before barking at her.
“We’re here. Get out!” The alcohol seemed to have made him more hostile.
She sighed and left the carriage. The Holy Blades surrounded Mara while escorting her up the mountain path. Commander White walked ahead, leading them into the temple. She couldn’t believe she was back here again. In all honesty, this was the last place she wanted to be.
Mara entered the temple, ignoring the stares of priests and followers. As soon as she came into the ivory throne room, her gaze was drawn to the one on top of the stairs. Just like in her dream, Mara’s murderer was adorned in a white dress with gold and jewels. Despite being veiled, the goddess’ face could be seen as clear as day. Even her fiery golden eyes pierced through the gauzy fabric. Kallisto sat on her golden throne, looking down at Mara. Dark red drapes cascaded behind the throne. The commander joined the goddess and his father.
Mara glanced at Mr. White. Unlike her dream, the old man’s hair was pure white. A few more wrinkles were present on his face. She recalled the man being in his sixties. Mr. White possessed a look of guilt, but he would find no sympathy from Mara. He played a role, and lured her into a trap not too long ago. He also drove her parents to confront the Faith, thus putting them in danger. Mara turned her gaze to Kallisto.
“I see you’ve made the right decision and surrendered,” Kallisto began.
“Didn’t give me much choice,” Mara replied, revealing her face. “Now you got me. Release James!”
Kallisto gave an angry stare before nodding to one of her servants. A Holy Blade approached a door on the left side of the stairs and opened it. A man resembling Allen stumbled through. He had a bruise on his left cheek. The Holy Blade pushed him out, making him fall forward. He was James Moen, the younger twin brother of Allen. Mara wanted to help him, but was stopped by the Holy Blades. James groaned as he stood up and walked past her. As soon as he noticed Mara, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped.
“Mara!” James exclaimed. He stood frozen in his tracks.
Mara gave a sad smile.
He continued to gawk at her. “I can’t believe it! You’re alive!”
“James,” Mara began.
“I’m sorry. I never meant—”
“It’s okay. Go home. Allen is worried about you.”
“Okay…” James left the throne room.
Mara watched while he stumbled away, noting he had a rough time. When she glanced back at Kallisto, she noticed Commander White leaning over and whispering in her ear. The goddess gazed at him, appearing to be surprised. She then glared back at Mara.
“I have received word you met the deserter,” Kallisto said with a hint of disdain.
“I have,” Mara replied, folding her arms. “I know the Faith is planning to awaken the Dark One. You used me to avoid suspicion.”
The goddess sneered at her. “Even if it is true, who would believe you?” Kallisto asked in a cruel tone. “If you continue to seek the truth, you will find nothing but tragedy.”
Mara gaped at the goddess. Kallisto didn’t deny her claim. She then took a deep breath.
“So, why capture me again?” Mara questioned. She noticed the empty space around her. “By now, I would’ve been killed and thrown back into the Dark Labyrinth.”
Kallisto’s eyes narrowed. “There is another reincarnation.”
Commander White gave a dismissive look while holding his hands behind his back. “And we have reason to believe you know where she is, and have been in contact with her.”
Mara gave a strange look. “Sorry to disappoint you, but this is my first time hearing about it.”
“Is that so?” Commander White questioned. “All the undying are drawn to each other.”
She shrugged. “Then I wouldn’t need Harold’s help finding them.”
The commander frowned at her. “We’ve been watching you for the past month,” he admitted. “When you first escaped, we sought to recapture you. Saskia discovered your true nature and plotted to keep you out of our reach.”
“Is that why you killed her?” Mara questioned, glaring at him.
“She and the others outlived their usefulness,” the commander said nonchalantly. “For the plans we have for this land, it was all convenient.” He kept frowning at her. “But you escaped and reached Harold.”
“What do you mean?”
“We knew what that o
ld geriatric was planning,” Commander White claimed, “setting you on a quest to claim the souls of the undying. We never deemed you could do it since it has never been done before. That’s why we were in Har’ Yhan. We knew you were going to slay the Siren. And after you killed the Marionette, we came to a conclusion. You are too dangerous!”
Mara was mystified. Was this why they captured her?
Kallisto sneered at her. “If you want your friends alive, you will find her.”
It was one thing to know a reincarnation was out there. It was another to know Kallisto wanted her dead. Mara began to remember why she became cursed. According to the goddess, Mara’s predecessor went after her throne and husband. Though she never bothered to explain the full details, or mention the so-called usurper’s name. Although Mara knew her name, recalling Khan’s words. His daughter, Amara, was taken away from him after refusing Kratés’ offer to buy her. It made Mara wonder if the goddess’ tale was true.
Mara glanced to the two men beside the goddess. For some reason, she had an idea they could help, but was foolish to think this way. Commander White was belligerent. His father was useless. She gazed back at Kallisto. The longer she saw the goddess, the more Mara couldn’t stand seeing her face. Kallisto looked arrogant and showed no remorse for her actions.
Glancing around the room, Mara remembered this place; Dad died in this throne room. She knew the exact area where he fell to the cold hard floor. For a brief moment, she thought she could see his corpse. The memory of seeing Dad die replayed in her mind. Mara lifted her gaze to the murderess and came to one conclusion. No one noticed her possession of Godstruck so far.
Mara glared at the goddess. “No…”
One simple word drew the ire of the goddess and her followers.
Kallisto looked daggers at her. “What did you say?”
Commander White frowned while folding his arms.
“I made myself clear,” Mara replied. “I’m not finding this reincarnation for you.” She gestured to the Holy Blades. “They’re doing such a fantastic job looking for her.”
The Cursed Herald Page 4