The Cursed Herald

by Rina S Mamoon

  “The Huntress?” Mara thought she was given the name due to her reputation. There was also her past, in which she worked for her father’s business.

  “Yes, that is what I’ve come to call you as the sixth known undying. You already succumbed to the curse upon seeing your father die,” according to Aspen. “The black scars riddling your face were self-inflicted. Most would see you as a monster with those beast-like traits, which is why I advised you to never show your face.” The Watcher said, “The Huntress was very dangerous, even the Faith feared her.”

  Mara was surprised to hear this. “Why?”

  Then she heard something in the distance. It sounded like two horses neighing. Under the bright full moon, she could see a wagon of goods heading to Mirahyll. It was stopped on the road. Something about this scene was familiar to Mara.

  “We should leave,” Aspen told her.

  Mara looked back at her, then glanced down at Allen’s body before gazing up at the wagon in the distance. “I should help him.”

  “We shouldn’t get involved. What about Allen’s body?”

  She turned on Aspen and glared at her. Mara shoved the corpse into her arms.

  “Fine, take it home!”

  Mara took off, ignoring Aspen. She made sure to avoid Ozin while getting on the road.

  ***

  While approaching the wagon, Mara could see two horses attached to it. The driver was an old man. She came closer, but stopped upon seeing six black shadows dashing towards it. Six men wore brown and black leather armour. They looked rough. Each wielded either a sword or an axe. A part of Mara’s mind told her they were bandits. The old man was pulled from the wagon by two men while the other four pillaged the transport for goods.

  The old man cried, “No! That’s my livelihood!”

  “Well, I’m sorry,” the head bandit said unapologetically. “I’m afraid this is our livelihood. It’s what we do, but don’t worry. We’ll make great use of your goods once we take them and kill you.” He brandished a dagger to show he was serious.

  The other bandits noticed Mara and pointed at her. “Boss! There’s a witness.”

  The leader sighed and walked to where his men stood. She watched them, hearing everything they said. The bandits saw her as well. The leader placed his hands on his hips.

  He shouted, “Hey! If you want to live, turn back!” His voice echoed down the road.

  She responded by moving towards them.

  The leader sighed again before looking at two of his men. “Deal with the witness.”

  The two bandits brandished their weapons. They walked down the road to deal with Mara while the leader went back to deal with the old man. One of the bandits ran at her, but challenging an undying was the biggest mistake. With a single swipe of the guardian’s knife, she sliced his head off with no effort. The other bandit stood paralyzed. He never saw it coming. She watched him with glowing eyes. Realizing she wasn’t human, the bandit turned and ran. Mara closed the distance and stabbed him in the back. The thug cried out in pain, but stopped as soon as the large knife sliced through his neck.

  His scream got the bandit leader’s attention, making him turn around. Mara approached them with two round objects in her left hand. Her right hand gripped the bloodstained knife. She gazed at the bandits and stopped before them. Mara raised her left arm, presenting the severed heads of the two bandits that were sent to kill her. This shocked the leader, the other bandits, and even the old man. They were caught off guard by her inhuman appearance.

  One of the bandits shouted, “Shit! It’s the Black Smoke!”

  Mara dropped the heads, then held the knife before her. She wasn’t going to let the bandits leave alive. The other three ganged up on her, thinking there was strength in numbers. The huntress disappeared in front of them as they were about to attack her, leaving behind black smoke. They stopped and looked around.

  “Where did she go?”

  Before another could reply, his head was sliced off from his shoulders. The huntress stood behind him with fresh blood on her blade. Another took out a crossbow and took aim.

  “You bitch!” He took a shot at her.

  She grabbed the body of the decapitated bandit and used it as a shield. The body took many shots while she charged at him. The bandit was knocked down. He was too stunned to do anything while the undying stabbed him through his heart and killed him. The last one got scared and ran.

  The leader was none too pleased. “Where the fuck are you going?”

  The bandit ignored his boss and continued to run. The huntress grabbed the crossbow and took aim. After pulling the trigger, the steel bolt flew towards the fleeing man. It embedded itself into the back of the bandit’s neck, severing his spinal cord. He fell to the ground and didn’t move.

  The leader looked astonished. All of his men were dead. He gazed at the huntress, who stared back with glowing wolf-like eyes. He had no choice but to kill her himself.

  Brandishing a large hammer, he ran at her. The huntress vanished, then reappeared in front of him. He got a good look at her face. Her mouth was wide open, showing her elongated canines. He also noted the dark blotches around the eyes, as well as her glowing irises. Her nearness startled him, so he swung his hammer at her in fright. She vanished in a wisp of black smoke. He glanced to the left and right. She was nowhere to be seen. Before he could relax, he felt a sharp pain in his back. The bandit leader glanced down to see the tip of a knife emerging through his chest. He fell to his knees while the huntress pulled the knife out. She swung again and lopped off his head.

  The old man stared in astonishment. He couldn’t believe what happened. One moment he was being robbed and his life threatened, and then he witnessed the brutal slaying of his aggressors. “Ah, can it be? The Black Smoke has returned!”

  She looked at the old man before approaching him. The glowing eyes and the bloodstained blade did not make her appear kind. Fearing for his life, the old man bolted to his wagon and grabbed the reins. The horses neighed while galloping to Mirahyll. She watched him flee to the city, feeling confused by his words. Knowing she was safe, Mara changed back. The huntress glanced down at her left hand. She still held onto the crossbow. Mara decided to keep it since she needed a new one anyway.

  “Do you now remember?”

  Hearing a familiar voice, Mara turned her head and saw Aspen without the body. The Watcher had sent Allen’s remains home. James received it and was preparing his brother’s funeral. Mara glanced at the brutal scene she created.

  “I did this,” she murmured.

  “It wasn’t your first time,” the Watcher said.

  “So, you knew about this as well?” Mara asked. “I was the Black Smoke.”

  “Yes, but I also played a role,” Aspen revealed. “Five years ago, I made contact with you, and unleashed the Huntress upon Ardana.”

  Mara gazed back at her. “You decided to unleash a dangerous undying?”

  “You were different. You only killed when provoked or endangered.” Aspen glanced to the grizzly scene. “You were here before, wandering the roads at night and came upon a bandit attack. They tried to kill you in order to prevent witnesses, but the same thing happened. Your actions earned you the title of vigilante.”

  “Yet I was called a murderer,” Mara muttered.

  “The Faith wanted to portray you as such. They saw you as a threat.”

  Mara was baffled. “How was I dangerous to them?”

  “Your actions undermined Kallikratés’ efforts to control Ardana,” Aspen revealed. “The bandit attacks grew to a point where the middle and lower class wanted something done. But the Holy Blades prevented anyone from investigating while offering an escort service only the rich could afford. It never solved the problem. When you appeared and began to kill the bandits, many praised you. You did what none could be bothered to do.”

  Mara placed her hands on her hips. “What happened afterwards?”

  “The Faith condemned the attacks. Commander White too
k to the podium and declared you as a murderer. He announced he would capture you, thus provoking you. You took the bait and got captured in a hunt led by him. While setting up camp, the commander sought you out, thinking he could defeat you by himself.”

  Mara found this familiar. The dream she often experienced in the previous month—it was a memory from five years ago. Still, she wanted to confirm what happened.

  “How did it go?”

  “It didn’t end well, although he underestimated you. You made him squeal like a pig after impaling him into a tree, and drank his blood.”

  Mara raised an eyebrow. “No wonder why he hates my guts,” she grumbled. She looked at Aspen and began to understand why she erased her memory. “I am grateful. If not for you, I would’ve ended up like the others, but please don’t do that again.”

  “Sorry, but it was the only way to bring you back. And I couldn’t restore all your memories at once without the risk of you succumbing again.” The Watcher looked north on the road to Mirahyll. “We should go.”

  Mara gazed in the same direction and spotted a group holding lanterns. They were guardsmen. They were still far away though, so the two made their immediate escape. Mara put away her new crossbow and took Aspen’s hand. The two teleported back to the Moen residence.

  ***

  The next thing Mara saw was James looking at her. She gazed back at the younger twin, unsure what to say to him. What could she say after what happened to Allen? Silence filled the room. James stormed over to her and pulled her into a hug. She never expected him to do this.

  “I thought I lost you again.” James hugged her tighter.

  “I… I thought you’d be mad,” Mara began.

  He pulled away. “How could I be mad at you?” James demanded. “This isn’t your fault!”

  He understood Mara risked her life to save Allen.

  “Where is he?” Mara asked.

  James’ face fell into a frown. He looked away and gestured to a closed door. She saw the door and had an awful feeling in the pit of her stomach. Mara began to approach it.

  “It is best if you didn’t see,” the Watcher said.

  She ignored Aspen. Opening the door, Mara saw his body laying on the bed. It was wrapped in white sheets and prepared for a funeral pyre. A cloth was placed over his face and the ugly gash across his neck. Mara felt numb as she drew closer. Before the bed she fell to her knees while staring at Allen’s body. Closing her eyes, Mara could sense James’ approach.

  “Kallisto kissed him,” she said. “Within seconds he died, just like Dad.” Mara opened her eyes and looked at James’ astonished face. “I tried to save him, but was captured. Our bodies were dumped into the Dark Labyrinth, although I resurrected. Allen’s body was taken away and used as bait. I was able to get it back, but the magic resurrected it. I had no choice. It wasn’t him.” She gazed back at Allen’s remains.

  “I’m sure you did what you had to do,” James replied, grabbing a chair and sitting down. He watched Allen’s body and sighed. “This is just like the day our father died,” he said. “My dad was a very brilliant man, yet very critical of Kallikratés. He was invited to the Temple of Kallisto. The Faith wished to change his views. It was the last time we ever saw him alive, and his body was never found. Since then, Allen became critical of the Faith, believing they were responsible for father’s death. In a way, Allen became just like him.” He looked back at her. “What will you do now?”

  “There’s only one thing I can do.” Mara rose to her feet. “I’m going to find Amara and kill her. If I do this, I can stop Aazalith.”

  Aspen watched her. “So, you’re going to do it, even if it means ceasing to exist.”

  James looked perplexed. “What are you talking about?” He glanced at Aspen and Mara.

  The Watcher revealed, “Harold had sent her on a quest to collect the souls of the undying. She believed it would help lift her curse, but its true purpose was to revive Thalia. All of the reincarnations are fragments, containing her power. Once the soul is complete, Thalia will take over. Mara will cease to exist.”

  James gawked at Aspen. He seemed horrified to hear this. He looked back at Mara.

  “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “I learned about it a few days ago from Commander White,” Mara said. “At first, I didn’t believe him, but something happened.”

  “What is it?” James asked.

  “I was almost defeated by Harold, but something came over me. For a brief moment, my body acted on its own.” Mara paused. “He said Thalia would never let any harm come to me.”

  “Oh, Mara,” James said solemnly. “If we knew this would happen, we would have never allowed you to do this. You are our friend.”

  Mara gave a sad smile. “Thanks, but I don’t really have a choice.”

  “You lost Godstruck when you were captured,” Aspen stated.

  “I know. It’s probably destroyed by now. My only choice is to obtain the last few pieces of Thalia’s soul.” Mara glanced at her Silver Thorn long sword sitting in the corner. She was smart enough to leave it behind. A regular sword would be enough to deal with Amara since Mara had slain other undying with such a blade. She gazed back at Aspen. “I’m out of options.”

  “Wait! What about the others?” James inquired.

  Mara looked back at him. “Found them in the Dark Labyrinth. Most of them never reached adulthood, and one died before she could be born! I have to break the cycle and end this nightmare!”

  “I’m sorry.” James glanced down at the floor. “There has to be another way.” After a moment of silence, he glanced up with a spark of determination in his eyes. “Only four undying remain, right?” James asked. Mara and Aspen gazed back at him and nodded. He then asked, “Three of you have your humanity intact?” The two women nodded again. James gave a serious look. “What if you three could combine forces?”

  Mara looked uncertain. Aspen tilted her head to the right.

  “It could work,” Aspen responded, then gazed at Mara. “Since you cannot bring yourself to kill any more undying, I believe this would be the best alternative.”

  “What do you mean?” Mara asked.

  “We could defeat the Forlorn by combining the power of us three,” Aspen said. “We might be able to withstand Aazalith’s power and put Amara to rest.”

  Mara nodded. “Okay, but I want you to absorb her soul,” she said. “Amara will be the last undying I hunt.”

  “Very well,” Aspen replied.

  James’ eyes were wide with surprise.

  Seeing his face, Mara sighed. “I’m sick of being used,” she said. “But I’m not going to sit here and let my home be destroyed. I will save this land and stop Kallisto, but it’ll be on my terms.”

  James and Aspen looked at her.

  “If Aazalith is stopped, not only will the world be spared, but it may weaken the faith of Kallikratés’ followers,” Aspen added. Mara and James watched her. “However, it’d be best if we approached the divine while the remaining seal is intact. This way, she won’t be at full power. I’ll help you, but we must find Aazalith first.”

  “How long will it take to find her?” Mara asked.

  “It depends,” Aspen replied. “The divine exudes immense magic—the kind that interfered with some of my powers. It may take a couple of days.”

  “That’s fine, as long as the Faith doesn’t know what we’re planning,” James said. “It could also give us some time to let Morgan know about our plan and ask for her aid.”

  “What if the Faith comes after her?” Mara questioned. “She has the final seal.”

  “I think she’ll be fine,” James replied. “I hear Morgan is the most powerful sorceress in all of Ardana. Unless the Holy Blades stole another anti-magic field generator, they would never dare harm her.”

  “Okay,” Mara said as she nodded. “I guess I could use the time to recover.”

  ***

  Mara headed to her room. She was about to open the door when Jam
es approached her. An envelope was in his hands.

  “Allen left this for you in the event of his death,” he said.

  She took the envelope. Looking back at James, Mara nodded.

  “Thank you.”

  James left her alone. Mara entered her room and sat on the bed. She opened the envelope and read Allen’s final farewell.

  ‘Dear Mara,

  If you are reading this, then I’m already dead. I’m sorry our time was cut short, but nothing in the world could bring back those years. I admit to being disappointed when you forgave Karl for all the things he did to you. I’ll admit I was crushed when you accepted his marriage proposal. I thought we could be together, but I lost hope and never believed I could be happy. When you died, my heart was crushed once again. And that man didn’t care. He chose a goddess over you, and they killed you! You didn’t deserve any of it!

  When I became the chancellor’s advisor, I had to see him most days. Seeing his face reminded me of what happened to you. Sometimes I wonder if he knew what he had done. The way he acted made me believe he did. I hope one day he will regret his actions.

  I just wanted you to know I’ve always loved you. Even if I am to be with someone else, they can never replace you. I’m grateful to have known you in the short amount of time we’ve been together.

  - Allen Moen’

  Mara looked away from the note. Tears were already streaming down her face. She would’ve been happy to know Allen loved her, but now he was gone. She lay down and closed her eyes, hoping the tears would stop.

  ***

  The next day, they took Allen’s body and created a funeral pyre for him. It was difficult to watch him burn away, but it might draw more suspicion if they buried him. And after the incident in the Dark Labyrinth, it would be the last thing they’d want. The three did it far away from any populated areas, making sure to keep watch in case the Holy Blades were around.

  As Mara watched the fire, she remembered the first time she and Allen met. On the first day of college, she was alone and didn’t know anyone. Mara didn’t have many friends because of her skin colour. At the time, she was the only Stone Mage to attend. She recalled sticking out like a sore thumb; everyone gawked at her like she was some freak show. To make matters worse, Karl had attended the same year. He was a complete jerk in the beginning, asking why a savage was attending college. The nobleman had a circle of friends who shared the same social class as him and they bullied her. Mara felt very alone. She considered dropping out until she met Allen and James. The twin brothers were from the middle class—commoners who worked hard to get to where they were. She could relate because she worked for her father’s business and saved money to afford the tuition fees. The three became friends who withstood whatever anyone threw at them.