As she finished looking back into her past, Mara could feel tears forming in her eyes. Allen had been a true friend regardless of what happened. He had helped her in some of the most difficult situations.
After his body was reduced to ashes, they gathered the remains and placed them in a box. They went to a spot not too far from where they cremated him. Mara took a shovel and dug a hole for Allen’s grave. Upon finishing, she and James took the box and laid him to rest. She got out of the hole and stared at the box. It was hard to look because this was once a close friend. James took over and buried him. She watched while Allen’s remains disappeared into the earth. After they said their final goodbyes, they went back to Allen’s home laboratory, now owned by James.
***
The Watcher sat on the floor and got into a meditative pose. She became frozen as her eyes glowed. Mara watched her in curiosity.
“To find Aazalith, I will search for the Forlorn,” Aspen explained. “Since we share the same soul, I can use it to find the other undying. As I’ve said before, the magic may cause interference, and it could take a couple of days.”
Mara was intrigued. “Is this how you found me?”
Aspen nodded. “Yes, this is how I made contact with you.”
“Okay, what do I do?” Mara asked.
“Your help is not required.”
Mara was a little surprised. She got to sit there and do nothing, and it made her feel anxious. “Shouldn’t I do something?”
“You could relax,” James suggested. “You’ve been through a lot.”
Mara gazed at him. “Oh…”
So she spent the first day thinking. Many thoughts ran through Mara’s mind. She had an uneasy feeling about having to kill Amara, even though it was the best thing to do. She also hoped James’ idea would work. She gazed in the mirror, remembering the life she once had. The thoughts of her last days as a human made her think of Karl. She wanted to rescue him, but began to wonder if it was worth it.
All she had to do was remember her friendship with the Moen twins. The more she thought about it, the more Mara realized she knew Allen better than Karl. There was a time when she felt much closer to the older twin than the man who became her fiancé. Graduation was when things fell apart. Mara attended the ceremony after her mother went through the trouble of buying her a dress. She didn’t ask for it and made herself clear she wasn’t going. But Dad persuaded her to go. When she attended, everyone watched her. Like the first day of college, they gawked at her the exact same way. To make matters worse, Karl was there. Mara remembered his gaze and how it made her skin crawl. At least Allen and James were present, making the night more bearable. For much of the night, she stayed near them until Karl somehow got her alone. He apologized for all the things he did to her and asked for a dance. It was from that moment a rift was formed between Mara and Allen, and ultimately Dad.
Mara returned to her room and sat down. She studied Allen’s note again. After placing the letter back into the envelope, she noticed another piece of paper inside. With curiosity, Mara took it out and inspected it.
“This is from Dr. Simon in Hema,” Mara noted to herself. “Why is this here?”
While continuing to read, Mara noticed some extra notes left by Allen. According to these notes, he did some experimentation involving her and Commander White.
“Took some blood from the commander while he was recovering from Anna’s brain drain,” Mara read out loud. “Unusually high amounts of magic within subject’s blood.”
She wondered if Allen knew about Commander White’s immortality before she did. She continued to read.
“Introduced a drop of the female creature’s black blood to a sample from the commander. I can’t believe it—the black blood extracted the magic from the sample of the subject. Subject’s blood became normal.”
Mara tried to understand what it meant, then remembered biting the commander in Hema. Drinking his blood could restore her human form, but it wasn’t permanent. The effects lasted less than twenty-four hours. Mara also remembered the look on the commander’s face. Not only was he unhappy, he was also shaken up and required assistance from his father and Dr. Simon.
Mara once believed Commander White was a demigod because he was Kratés’ reincarnation. Being descended from a god would yield some special property in his blood. Though after discovering he possessed a fragment of Aazalith’s soul, Mara realized she was wrong about him. The divine’s soul contributed to his immortality, as well as his superhuman strength and speed. Could it also explain the high amount of magic in his blood? The wheels began to turn in her head, as well as her understanding of the research of the late Doctor Allen Moen.
She put the notes back into the envelope and went to bed.
Chapter Eleven
A Dire Situation
Mara heard four door knocks on the morning of December 19. She opened her eyes and noticed the sky remained dark. The sun hadn’t risen yet. It had to be past midnight or very early in the morning. Another four knocks came. It seemed urgent. Despite being in her room, she could hear someone answering the door.
“Chancellor Davis,” James greeted. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
Her ears perked up. Mara got out of bed and dressed herself. She even put her hood and mask on. The huntress didn’t know what to expect when she encountered the chancellor. She left her room to witness James invite the other man into his home. It had been a while since she saw Terra’s chancellor. The regular middle-age man still had greying hair and pale blue eyes. His full beard and moustache, however, had gained a few more grey strands. His nose was a little wide and there appeared to be more wrinkles on his face. Dark circles were present under his eyes as if he had little sleep.
“Yes, I’m looking for Dr. Allen Moen. He hasn’t shown up to the office for about a week,” Davis began, entering the living room. He glanced around before looking at the middle-aged doctor. “Do you know where he is?”
James’ face fell to a frown. “My apologies, Chancellor, but Allen passed away.”
Davis’ eyes bugged out in response. He was frozen for a brief moment.
“Oh… I… I’m very sorry. I never knew,” the chancellor responded. “We didn’t always agree on many things, but I always appreciated Allen’s character and mind.” Then, “If you don’t mind me asking, how did he die?”
Before James could answer, Mara came forward. The Watcher was also awake and followed suit. The chancellor took notice and watched them with apprehension.
“He was executed by the goddess,” Mara answered. “I witnessed his death.”
Davis gaped at her. “Executed?”
“It’s all my fault.” Mara shook her head. “All because I wanted to find the truth.”
James scowled at her. “Quit being so hard on yourself! Allen was always critical of Kallikratés. He questioned their control over Ardana for years. Everything he stood for went against their ideologies. He was already an enemy before we met you. Helping you and hiding Aspen was the icing on the cake.”
Everyone watched James.
“You think they were planning to kill him anyway?” Mara inquired.
The Watcher removed her visor. “I wouldn’t be surprised.”
Davis couldn’t help but notice how inhuman Aspen’s face was. It was obviously his first time seeing the creature behind the visor. Then he said, “Well, Dr. Moen always encouraged others to think for themselves. And speaking of reincarnations…” Davis gazed at Mara. “I’ve been looking for you, Miss Mara Ashwood.”
The huntress furrowed her eyebrows. “You know my name?”
“Well, that is your name, isn’t it?” Davis asked. “I’ve learned of Mrs. Daniella Ashwood’s passing. I hear she was a well-known and upstanding citizen until the incident.”
“What incident?” Mara questioned. She looked around for an answer, but got silence. James turned away. She noticed this and gave a questioning glance. “James?”
James gazed back at her. “
It’s nothing.”
Mara suspected he was hiding something judging by the tone of his voice.
“So, why were you looking for her?” James addressed Davis.
After an awkward moment of silence, the chancellor cleared his throat. “Well, there’s something I need help with.” He gestured to Aspen. “Originally, I intended to use Dr. Moen’s creation for an important task.” Then Davis switched his attention to Mara. “But I think you’ll be much better for it.”
Mara and Aspen exchanged looks before gazing back at him.
“It depends,” the huntress replied. “What’s in it for me?”
“I knew you would ask,” Davis sighed. “There is a monetary reward if you help the city—no, all of Ardana.”
“Sounds great,” Mara mused. “But I’m unsure if the money is worth it.” She pointed to James and Aspen. “We’re searching for the Dark One so I can stop her from destroying Ardana.”
The chancellor looked astonished. “What did you say?”
“We found a way,” James revealed. “An undying is fused to the creature’s core. Only Mara, Aspen, and Morgan can kill her.”
Davis gawked at them. “So, if you kill the undying, it will stop the Dark One?”
“Yes,” Aspen answered, “but we need to find the creature first.”
Mara folded her arms. “Besides, I don’t think I’m the right person for the job you’re offering.”
The chancellor gave her a serious look. “What do you mean?”
“In case you haven’t realized, I have one of these faces.” Mara removed her mask. “I’m the reincarnation of someone who was guilty of a crime she didn’t commit. As a result, I’m now an enemy of the Faith.”
“Well, this is why I think you’ll be perfect for the job,” Davis replied. “Are you aware of the mass arrests across Ardana?”
His words drew their attention.
“I am,” Mara replied. “Thought I stopped it since I’m the one they’re after.”
“Well, Mirahyll and Hemal made a formal request to have those imprisoned returned to their homes,” Davis explained. “The Faith did comply, but…” He reached into his pockets and produced a piece of paper. The chancellor handed it over to her. It appeared to be a letter.
Mara took the letter and began to read. James and Aspen watched while she read the words on the paper. Her eyes widened as she paused.
“What is it?” James questioned.
Mara stared at the paper, then to the chancellor. “This is a ransom!”
James gaped at her before turning his bewildered gaze onto Davis. The Watcher also looked at him.
Davis trembled. “We received this a few hours ago,” according to the chancellor. “The convoy was taken by the Blackthorns while it was en route to Mirahyll. The Holy Blades accompanying it were all killed. If we don’t pay them a hundred thousand gold by sundown, they will kill the women.”
“So, you’re asking me to find them and kill the bandits?” Mara asked. “You’re not asking the Guardsmen to do this?”
“The Holy Blades are investigating and demanded we don’t get involved,” Davis claimed.
“They’ve said that before,” Aspen said, “and so far they have done nothing.”
The chancellor sighed. “It always seems the Blackthorns are a step ahead.” He gestured to Mara. “But she, who can lurk in the shadows, can strike when least expected.” Davis continued, “I know about the attack at the temple, as well as the recent massacre on the southern road. Rumours of a certain vigilante is beginning to circulate, and I have reason to believe you are that vigilante.”
Mara nodded. “I am the Black Smoke, or I was.” A question crossed her mind. “Why don’t you let the Holy Blades rescue them? They claim to be doing something about it.”
“He no longer trusts them,” Aspen replied, gazing at the chancellor with glowing eyes. The extra eyes on her face were open. Davis gawked at her with a dropped jaw. The two friends glanced at her. “Not after what the Holy Blades and the Faith did.”
Mara and James switched their attention to the chancellor.
Davis looked flustered. “I wish you wouldn’t read my mind! It’s an invasion of privacy!”
Aspen kept gazing at him until the glow faded, then closed her extra eyes. “I’m sorry, but at least you’re honest.” She placed her visor back on and entered another room.
Mara watched her before turning her gaze to the chancellor. “Really? You don’t trust them?”
The chancellor took a deep breath. “For a long time, I’ve questioned how they’ve handled their investigation. It’s been at least five years and I’ve not seen any results. I had suggested combining the forces of the Guardsmen and the Holy Blades, but Commander White refused.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Or they couldn’t be bothered?” Mara sighed, “Fine, I could kill some time.”
“Good,” Davis said. “I was hoping you would do this.” He took out another piece of paper and handed it to her. It was a pass of some sorts. “A little incentive for your willingness to help the city,” he explained. “Not only should the guardsmen leave you alone, but should the Faith or the Holy Blades threaten you, you can invoke the right to self-defence. This is normally granted to the elite class and nobles, but I’m willing to make an exception.”
“Okay,” Mara said. “So, where should I start?”
Davis suggested, “Check the roads near Golden Mountain. I believe the convoy was travelling on the southern road at the time of the attack.” Before leaving, the chancellor had one more thing to say. “After you do this job, meet me at the Council Hall. I will reward you.” Then he left.
Mara looked at the pass, then to James. “Well, I guess I’m on my way. Will you be okay here?”
“We should be fine. The Faith doesn’t know what we’re doing and shouldn’t bother us. Oh, and one more thing…” James left to get something. He returned with a familiar looking pendant. She remembered Allen using it before. “This is a communication stone.” He handed her the pendant. “Its wavelengths can be picked up by Aspen, and she’ll be watching you. Once you find them, she’ll let Chancellor Davis know, and he’ll send the Guardsmen to retrieve the hostages.”
She gazed at the stone before lifting her gaze to him. Mara nodded before heading to her room to get her sword. She left to find the missing women.
***
Mara wandered along the road near Golden Mountain, taking extra care in case she encountered any Holy Blades. The sun began to rise, offering some light to help in her investigation. Checking the roads for any signs of the convoy, she found some tracks belonging to a large wagon as well as several hoof prints. Davis claimed the Holy Blades accompanying the transport were killed. However, there was no blood or any signs of an altercation.
A horse neighed in the distance. Looking up, Mara spotted a black mare with a white diamond in her forehead. The horse galloped towards her. This was the little lady, whom she used to get around. Mara never thought she would see the horse again. The last time she saw the lady was when she went to Haranta Village to slay the Marionette. The huntress had an idea. Mara could use the horse to help her find the hostages by sundown. It would be much quicker. However, whenever she approached the horse, the animal bolted. The mare remained uncooperative.
“I don’t have time for this!” Mara refused to go through this again, especially with lives on the line. She noticed the tracks leading towards Hema. The bandits’ lair was likely in the northern realm.
As Mara followed the trail, the mare trotted behind her. Growing annoyed, the huntress stopped and scowled at the horse. The mare froze. The two ladies watched each other for a while before Mara returned to her work. The horse followed again, picking up speed. The little lady dashed past the huntress and stopped before her. She stared at the horse. As if more of her time couldn’t be wasted. The horse watched her, then kneeled. Mara wasn’t sure what to think of this new development. The mare whinnied, as if telling her to get on. With caution
, she approached the animal and mounted the saddle. The lady stood back up and took Mara to where she needed to go.
On the huntress’ command, the horse galloped down the main road to Hema.
***
Much of the day had passed by the time Mara entered Hema. She went east, riding along the foot of Ghost Mountain. The tracks led her into a thick forest. Following the trail, she spotted an orange glow deep in the woods. Four men in leather armour surrounded a fire. Judging by their rough leather armour, she suspected they were Blackthorns. She dismounted her horse in silence and approached them. Reaching for her crossbow, she loaded a bolt and took aim.
The first bandit fell as soon as the bolt penetrated his skull. The others saw the steel tip emerge between his eyes before going into a panic. They stood up and unsheathed their weapons. They looked around, searching for the aggressor. She watched them while reloading her crossbow. Another man was shot in the head and fell to the ground dead. The other two saw where the bolt came from and approached her. She saw them coming. Mara’s eyes began to glow as she disappeared in a wisp of black smoke.
She reappeared before one of the bandits and stabbed him in the chest. The sword went through his heart, killing him in an instant. The last one tried to rush her, but she pulled the sword out and swung the blade across his neck. His head toppled down his back. Mara watched as the headless body fell to the ground. Approaching the fire, she found the convoy. It was empty. Several footprints led into a cave. Mara decided to investigate. She still had some daylight remaining.
The Cursed Herald Page 12