The Cursed Herald

by Rina S Mamoon

  Everyone caught onto her sarcasm.

  “How dare you talk to the Goddess like this?” Commander White scowled at her.

  Mara ignored him and kept gazing at Kallisto. It was now or never. She reached behind her back and retrieved the second blade. The followers gasped upon recognizing the black and gold sheath. The Holy Blades watched with apprehension while unsheathing their swords. Even Kallisto and her commander were stunned to see the one weapon capable of slaying a god.

  “How dare you threaten me with that sword?” Kallisto raged.

  The huntress glowered at the goddess while unsheathing Godstruck. The silver and steel blade shone in the light. Mara could’ve asked herself what she was thinking, producing a blade upon a deity, but this was her one chance. With the sword capable of defeating a god, Mara decided Kallisto needed to die. Consequences were irrelevant. She gripped the hilt with both hands as a dark aura exuded from her body.

  “You murdered my father and hurt my mother,” Mara hissed, glaring at Kallisto with glowing eyes. “How about I return the favour?”

  The commander stepped forward and gave a hateful look at Mara.

  “Blades, defend your Goddess!” Commander White ordered.

  The men let out a battle cry and ran at her. When the first one approached her, Mara gripped Godstruck and swung. In a flash of silver, the sword slashed through his neck, making his head fly off with ease. The others froze. She killed the Holy Blade in one hit; Godstruck was a force to be reckoned with. They regathered their courage and attacked, but Mara wasn’t about to let her guard down. A vertical slash cut one in half. Another was decapitated like the first fool who tried to challenge her. The next one was impaled through the heart. One bled to death after both his legs were cut off above the knees. Another Holy Blade ran at her. Mara side stepped. With his back to her, she gave a quick punch and stunned him. She thrusted the blade into his back, the tip bursting out through his chest. He fell to his knees, blood seeping from his mouth. She kicked him off of her sword. One remained shaking in his boots. She could sense he didn’t want to die.

  “If you value your life, the door is over there,” Mara addressed him.

  The Holy Blade dropped his weapons and ran out the door.

  Mara turned her attention onto Kallisto. The goddess showed no fear, only anger. She might have been scared of the sword, but didn’t show it. After all, the greatest enemy of the Faith owned a weapon capable of slaying their goddess. With her target within sight, Mara dashed towards her. None dared to stop the undying. If they tried, she would cut them down without a second thought. Kallisto sat on her throne and didn’t move. It seemed too easy rushing a vulnerable target, but Mara didn’t care. Killing Kallisto was important above all else. She thrusted Godstruck forward, driving it into her intended target.

  Gasps and cries of distress filled the room. Mara looked down, still holding onto the hilt. Blood dripped onto the marble floor. She thought at first the blade found her target, but upon lifting her gaze, Mara discovered she was dead wrong. The dark grey long coat turned red. Looking up further, she discovered the pained and enraged face of Commander White. He stepped in front of the goddess and took the hit. The sword went through his chest, but missed his heart. The commander stood frozen like a statue.

  Mara’s eyes widened as she began to tremble. She just stabbed him! He was never the intended target. The undying believed killing Kallisto would not only avenge her and her family, it would also save Karl. She wanted to apologize, but got punched in the face. Mara was stunned as she hit the ground. The force of the fist made her skid a few feet away. Blood poured from her nostrils. She managed to recover and wiped the blood from her injured nose.

  The commander pulled Godstruck out of his torso. He winced in pain, yet remained standing. He breathed heavily as he held his wound. Through his fingers, Mara saw the gash close up. He turned his attention to the blade and lifted it up. Commander White furrowed his eyebrows as he studied the sword.

  “The sword is fake,” he murmured out loud.

  Mara gawked at the sword. How could it be fake? It was delivered to her by Harold! The commander then glared at her and dropped the sword. The fake Godstruck fell to the floor with a loud clang. Raising his foot, Commander White slammed his boot onto the blade. The impact caused the sword to break at the centre, shattering it into two pieces. Unsheathing the Hand of Kratés, he gave a menacing look at Mara.

  “I will defend my Goddess from vermin like you!” Commander White announced, pointing his sword at her. He intended to slay her.

  Mara didn’t want to fight him, but had no choice. Rising to her feet, she glanced at her Silver Thorn long sword. Mara placed her hand on the grip and drew her blade. The commander raised his sword and dashed at her. His speed caught her off guard.

  Once, she believed he was a weak coward who hid behind his Holy Blades. His lack of experience was the reason why she always rescued him. Right now, the commander was proving her wrong. Not only did his first strike break her guard, Commander White showed his true strength. His attack inflicted a terrible cut on her left arm. Mara recovered, but had to fight for her life. She gripped the hilt of her sword with both hands. She tried to counter, though he shrugged it off as if it were nothing. He wasn’t the Commander of the Holy Blades for no reason.

  Of all the monsters and humans Mara fought, Commander White was the most difficult opponent other than Kallisto. His fighting style emphasized on fluid and grace with combinations of hard strikes and fast hits. He used one hand for all of his attacks. His footwork was very unpredictable; Mara couldn’t anticipate his moves. He put her on the defensive. She could only evade and block his attacks for so long. He wore her down with each blow.

  It was a matter of time before Commander White knocked her down and defeated her. This was not what Mara had hoped for. She wanted Kallisto to pay, but it turned disastrous. The commander towered over her. He raised his blade above his head, ready to give the final blow.

  “This will end it!” Commander White declared.

  Mara squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the fatal strike. A few seconds went by and nothing happened. She opened her eyes. The commander was frozen. He remained this way until his face softened and lowered his weapon. He stared at her for a while, then his eyes filled with horror. His body trembled. The Hand of Kratés fell to the floor. He dropped to his knees and clutched his head.

  “No!” Commander White roared.

  She was stunned by his outburst. Before Mara could do anything, the ground began to shake. A massive earthquake shook the mountain. Chaos and confusion ensued.

  “Mara,” the Watcher called. “You must leave this place. I am outside.”

  Mara scrambled to her feet and dashed to the exit. No one stood in her way as the earthquake caused chaos. She ran outside and saw a flash of blue light. In the light, the Watcher appeared and offered her hand. Mara took the Watcher’s hand and the two teleported to safety.

  Chapter Five

  Hidden in Plain Sight

  Mara awoke on the morning of December 12. Opening her eyes, she found herself laying on an examination table. She was back in the safety of Allen’s home laboratory. Her face was uncovered. While sitting up, Mara discovered a bandage through the slice in her left sleeve. Someone dressed her wound, even though it might have already healed; regeneration was one of her abilities. Most of the scars she received as a human had long since faded away except for the deformation on her lower abdomen. Mara hoped she would never have to explain to the brothers why she had such a scar.

  After getting off the examination table, she saw her friends on the other side of the room. Allen was looking over his brother’s injuries.

  “Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?” Allen asked.

  “No, I’m fine. I was just roughened up by the Holy Blades,” James said, rising to his feet. He took notice of Mara and stared at her. Allen also noticed and turned around.

  “Are you okay?” Allen addressed
her. “You sustained many injuries.” He gestured to her arm. “Saw the wound you got there. James patched you up.”

  Mara gazed in his direction. All three were watching her.

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” she murmured, looking at her arm. Allen gave a serious look as he approached her. James joined him as well.

  “Mara,” James began. The younger twin remained mystified to see her still appearing in her mid-twenties when she should have been in her fifties. Allen gazed at his brother before folding his arms.

  “I just filled him in on what you went through,” the older twin said.

  James kept gawking at her. “I’m sorry this happened to you. I can’t believe anyone would ever wish this on someone.”

  “The Watcher told us what happened,” Allen also mentioned, keeping his serious gaze on her.

  Mara glanced back at him, then to the Watcher. “I guessed she also told you how disastrous it went,” she grumbled.

  The twins exchanged glances before looking back at her.

  Allen stormed past her. “Damn right it didn’t go well! Come here. I want to show you something…”

  He led her to a window. Outside was a town crier making a public announcement. Several people surrounded him.

  “Hear ye! Hear ye! The Cursed Herald tried to murder Queen Kallisto and the reincarnation of Lord Kratés! Six guards were killed.”

  Mara stared at the town crier while he made his announcement. A piece of paper was then shoved in her face. It was a wanted poster depicting her visage. The description read:

  ‘Wanted. If this woman is spotted, please notify the Holy Blades. Very dangerous, do not approach.’

  Mara studied the poster held by Allen. Now she couldn’t take off her hood in public.

  “Well, that was fast,” she murmured.

  “The mass arrests have stopped,” James mentioned.

  “Because I got their attention.” Mara sighed, “So much for trying to kill Kallisto.”

  Allen took the paper away and led her from the window. “I sent the Watcher to help, but some sort of interference prevented her from teleporting into the temple. At least she was able to instruct you to leave.” Then he asked, “What happened?”

  “You mentioned trying to kill Kallisto,” James added.

  Mara nodded. “I wanted revenge for what she did to me, my family, and Karl. I thought killing her would free him. Could’ve been successful had Karl not got in the way.”

  “You fought him? Is he…?” Allen asked.

  “No, he’s alive,” she answered. “I had Godstruck, or at least I thought I did.” The brothers appeared surprised she possessed the sword. Mara continued, “Harold had it delivered to Talon in secret, to hold onto until I met him. Thought I could kill Kallisto with it, but Commander White took the hit. His wound healed quickly as if he were never injured. The sword was fake.”

  The brothers glanced at each other before looking back at her.

  “So, he’s not some snobby noble who was given his title on a silver plate.” Allen folded his arms. “Not only is he pretty damn good with a sword, but he looks great for a guy who should be in his fifties.”

  Everyone stared at him.

  “Do you think he’s—” James began.

  Mara’s mouth dropped open. She recalled looking at the commander earlier, noticing how he didn’t change despite thirty years passing. Fake sword or not, he should have been dead, and she underestimated his swordsmanship.

  “Well, this explains some things,” Mara said. “Kallisto must have made him immortal.”

  Allen and James appeared surprised by her suspicion.

  “You really think so?” Allen asked.

  The Watcher stepped forward. “It’s possible she offered him a piece of the Flame of Life.”

  The three looked at her.

  “The Flame of Life?” Mara questioned.

  James nodded. “According to legend, the Flame is the very essence of the gods. Long ago, they planted it upon the earth to prove their existence. It birthed their flesh and they united the world in the Golden Age. It is said to be located in the Dark Labyrinth, deep below Golden Mountain.”

  Mara stared at the ground while taking in the tale. “I’m now dealing with two gods?”

  “And the prophecy,” the Watcher reminded her. “If all seals fail, the Dark One will awaken and destroy this world.”

  “I know,” Mara said. “That earthquake was no doubt the Dark One.”

  “It could even be felt in Mirahyll,” Allen revealed. “It had everyone up in arms.”

  “Can’t believe Kallikratés is behind this,” James said. “Why would they want to awaken it?”

  “I believe the answer lies with the remaining seals,” the Watcher replied. “Harold, the former master of the Silver Thorns; and Morgan of Désir.”

  “What about Khan, the wandering monk?” Allen asked.

  Mara recalled her last interaction with the elusive monk. “I met him after I…” she began, but noticed the questioning gazes of the three. Mara grew flustered. “It was an accident! He was a monster who tried to kill me. I didn’t know who he was.” She revealed, “Before he died, he told me about his daughter. Amara was one of the reincarnations the gods captured. She awoke the Dark One, causing the cataclysm a thousand years ago. Khan went to confront the gods. Kallisto tried to persuade him into thinking his daughter was evil, but he saw through her lies. She turned him into the Dark Dweller, then imprisoned him for the past millennia.”

  The Moen twins gave a sympathetic look. They appeared to believe her.

  Mara changed the topic. “I’ve intentions to see Harold. I have some questions for him.”

  The Watcher gazed at her with glowing eyes. “You wish to know why he gave you a fake sword.”

  “He must have the real one,” Mara said. “If I had it, I could’ve defeated Kallisto.”

  “And draw the ire of all her followers, hunting you down to the ends of the earth,” the Watcher said, “or you can use the sword to kill the Dark One.”

  Mara and the twin brothers watched her. Realization began to set in.

  “She is right,” Allen said, gazing at Mara. “All we need is someone who is both capable and willing to go inside and destroy the core.”

  Mara placed her hands on her hips. “I offered to do it, but Harold refused.”

  “Maybe he didn’t think you were strong enough,” James suggested.

  “She should be able to do it now,” Allen said. “She killed three undying and absorbed their souls. That has to count for something, unless there’s more out there.”

  An epiphany struck Mara, recalling her conversation with Kallisto. “There is.”

  The twins gaped at her.

  “What are you talking about?” Allen questioned.

  “You’re saying there’s a reincarnation out there?” James also inquired.

  She looked back at the two and nodded.

  “Who told you this?” Allen asked with a hint of seriousness in his voice.

  Mara found it odd with all the questions, but since they were friends, she decided to tell them. “The Faith is looking for her.”

  “And they’re unable to find her?” Allen questioned.

  “As far as I’m concerned, yes.” Mara shrugged. “It’s the reason behind the mass arrests and capturing me. For some reason, they think I know where she is. Kallisto demanded I find her if I care about your safety.”

  The twins appeared surprised.

  “You didn’t make a deal with her, did you?” James asked.

  “Not after the stunt I pulled at the temple,” Mara replied.

  Allen kept his serious look. “Good,” he said, turning around. The older twin placed his hands on his hips. “You don’t need to worry about us or this reincarnation.”

  She was confused. “What do you mean? If they find her, the same thing will happen.”

  “If they find her,” Allen interjected. “If they haven’t found the reincarnation by now, I doubt
they ever will.”

  “How do you know?” Mara asked.

  James looked at Allen. “I think she should know,” he told him. “She’s our friend.”

  Mara watched James with a curious expression. “Know what?”

  The older twin remained silent. After a few seconds, he turned around and gazed at her.

  “Watcher,” Allen called.

  The Watcher approached them. The creation stopped before Mara and removed her visor. Her inhuman eyes were like glowing blue gems. A small vertical slit sat on her forehead. Much of her face was covered with a mask similar to what Mara wore. The Watcher pulled it down to reveal a face almost identical to Mara’s, with the exception of two pairs of horizontal slits below her inhuman eyes. Her hair was hidden by her red hood. Her skin was a little pale with a blue tinge on the sides of her face and forehead.

  Mara gawked at her. It was almost like looking in a mirror, except the Watcher’s face appeared younger in comparison.

  The Watcher looked back with a neutral expression. “My name is Aspen Williams. I was born thirty years ago, after you died.” Her voice sounded much more human.

  Mara gaped at her, trying to register this information. “How is this possible?”

  Allen smirked at her. “Same thing could be asked about you and your curse,” he replied in a cheerful tone.

  James also smiled. “I was just as surprised when Allen brought her home. Her resemblance to you was unmistakable; as if you returned to us.”

  Mara kept studying her look-alike. “Why is her face…?” She trailed off upon seeing the frowns forming on the faces of her friends.

  Allen took a deep breath. “Remember the story I told you about the research hall?”

  She glanced back at him. “Yes, it happened in Thoron.”

  Allen nodded. “The Seekers once created an entity called the Prodigy, a genius whose intelligence was further augmented, gaining psychic powers.” He turned away. “But the Seekers weren’t satisfied, and wanted to experiment on the average brain of an individual.”