The Cursed Herald

by Rina S Mamoon

  “Mr. White asked me to save Karl,” Mara said.

  “Is that so? What will you do?”

  Mara gazed at her. “Let’s make a deal. I’ll let you keep Karl for Kratés’ resurrection. Although I’ll admit I am unsure about this. But if it makes you happy… In addition to helping us, I want you to revert Karl back to his former self. If you can remove the divine’s soul from him, it’ll be one less opponent to deal with.”

  Morgan smiled. “Very well.”

  While eating a slice of roast beef, Mara couldn’t help but feel some euphoria. It wasn’t often she had a well cooked meal, and she showed it. When she glanced up from her plate, the huntress noticed the looks of the hostess and the servants. Mara figured she transformed again.

  “Sorry,” she murmured, concentrating on changing back.

  Morgan stared at her, then smiled. “That is perfectly fine,” she told her. “I had seen it before in Thoron Witches, though it’s been thousands of years since I’ve been there. To be honest, I do miss Thoron.”

  Mara gazed back at her. “Thanks for the birthday dinner.”

  The original undying kept smiling and nodded. They continued their dinner.

  ***

  Once dinner was over, Mara was ready to return to James’ place. She put her hood and mask back on while heading for the exit. The original undying accompanied her.

  “I hope you had a good time,” Morgan said.

  She looked back at her. “Yes, I did.”

  Morgan smiled. “I’ll need a few more days. Once ready, I will come to you.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you then.”

  Morgan left her alone. Kai appeared to escort her, and led her out of the manor.

  “Please wait here. The carriage will be here soon.”

  The butler left to get the carriage.

  While waiting, Mara heard a man groan ever so faintly. At first she thought nothing of it, but she heard it again. Turning around, she saw a window. The room light was on. As she came closer to investigate, the groans grew louder as if a man was being pleasured. She had second thoughts and decided not to go any further, remembering her night in Har’ Yhan. Before turning away, she saw Morgan’s shadow. Growing more curious, Mara gazed through the window to see Morgan and Karl together.

  Karl was laying in bed, naked and paralyzed. Morgan was still clothed while approaching him. She began to remove her veil and hood. Mara watched while her older look-alike casted her gaze upon Karl, keeping him paralyzed. She was unaware of Mara’s presence as she kept her eyes locked with Karl’s. Then her face transformed. Her eyes glowed blue while her scleras darkened. The mermaid-like creature emerged as blue and green scales decorated her body. Karl remained paralyzed while watching her. Parting her full lips, Morgan released a soft tune. The notes passing through were like warm honey.

  Karl grew more relaxed. His brow became smooth as his eyes were further glazed over. The original undying approached him while the mesmerizing sound flowed through her lips and invaded his ears. Coming closer, she removed her clothes. The dark bustle dress fell to the ground around her ankles. Morgan moved with grace and fluid, walking over her dress without tripping. Once she reached him, she placed her hands on his thighs. They roamed up his body, then to his shoulders. He grew more aroused. She mounted him, taking his gender into her own.

  Realizing what they were going to do, Mara looked away. She heard them groaning with pleasure. It was just like Har’ Yhan all over again. She wondered about Morgan’s plan of opening Karl’s mind. How was this supposed to free him? Or was this something else? She remembered her confession to Morgan. Did she just hand over Karl’s heart to another? Then again, did she ever have his heart to begin with?

  Gazing back, she watched as Karl rose and held Morgan in his embrace, never letting go as he thrusted into her repeatedly. Even the way he kissed seemed genuine. Something in Mara began to change. No longer did she see Morgan and Karl, but Thalia and Kratés. She thought about the tale of the two lovers torn apart. After so many years, they were finally reunited. Where did this leave Mara? Standing outside, she watched as her former fiancé made love to another. However, it wasn’t just some woman. It was Thalia, who created the reincarnations, including Mara. Karl once said she was an incomplete copy and nothing more.

  Deep down, Mara remained upset at the sight of them together, even though her feelings for Karl had been waning. She already acknowledged her relationship with him costed her a dear friend and her family. Yet she couldn’t understand why she remained upset. She felt betrayed by him. Mara needed to think about the bigger picture. They had an agreement and this was their best chance of saving the world. With Karl out of the way, Kallisto no longer had her commander.

  She moved away from the window and waited for the carriage to take her home. In time, the transport arrived. Mara boarded it and returned to Mirahyll.

  Chapter Sixteen

  True Colours

  Mara sat in the carriage while being taken home. The image of seeing Morgan and Karl together was burned deep into her mind. Though the further she travelled away from Désir, the less upset she felt. She was still weighing the pros and cons of leaving him with the original undying. It was one powerful enemy out of the way, but Morgan might have gained a new lover if her plan to resurrect Kratés failed. Any future visits could be awkward.

  As soon as the carriage arrived at James’ place, she got out and dashed to the door. As she drew closer, the door opened to reveal James. He stood at the side and invited her in.

  “How did your night go?” James inquired.

  She stormed past him and entered his house. James looked shocked and concerned. Mara walked into the main room and saw Mr. White. The former college professor watched her as she stopped and stared at him. Her suspicions were correct.

  “You came back,” Mr. White spoke.

  “What happened?” James asked, walking up to her. Aspen stood in the distance.

  Mara pulled down her mask and glanced at everyone. “I made a deal with Morgan,” she began. “She agreed to help us, but needs a few days.”

  This was encouraging news to hear, although they were curious about the deal.

  Mr. White approached her. “Did you see him? Is Karl there?”

  She looked at the old man. Mentioning Karl’s name made the huntress think of the last time she saw the commander. “Yeah, I did.”

  “Why didn’t you save him? He’s in danger!”

  Mara grew annoyed with Mr. White, who still maintained she had to save his ward.

  “What sort of deal did you make?” James questioned.

  The huntress dropped her scowl and gazed at her friend. “For helping us, Morgan will keep Karl for now,” Mara revealed. “After we deal with Aazalith, Amara, and Kallisto, she’ll let him go.”

  “How could you?” Mr. White cried. Everyone watched as the former college professor lifted a quivering finger, pointing at the huntress in an accusing manner. He glared at her. “How could you side with that devilish woman and let her have her way with Karl?”

  The scowl returned to Mara’s face. “Then would you like to explain why the Faith made up the Legend of Kratés?”

  Mr. White’s face turned pale as he dropped his menacing gaze. The old man grew silent, indicating he knew the legend was false.

  Mara gazed at her friends. “Found out more about Kratés. Instead of dying in a battle against Aazalith, he was slain by Kallisto!”

  James looked stunned while Aspen froze. Even Mr. White’s mouth dropped open.

  “Then what happened?” James questioned.

  “Thalia and Kratés were lovers before Kallisto stole the soul of Aazalith,” Mara revealed. “Kallisto left him behind to die during the cataclysm, but he survived. Recognizing Morgan as Thalia, he followed her home where they became lovers once again. But Kallisto found them and killed Kratés. She stabbed him with a moonstone-enchanted dagger, ending his life. She stole his share of Aazalith’s soul and fled before Morgan could
kill her.”

  James was taken aback. “For the past one thousand years, humanity was taught to believe Kratés was a hero when he really wasn’t,” he murmured. “This could change everything. Speaking of lies and truths…” He looked at Mr. White, then folded his arms. “Aspen determined he was hiding some details.”

  Mara figured this, yet wanted to know what they discovered. “Really? Like what?”

  “Two days ago, Commander White led a group of Holy Blades to Désir, intending to capture Morgan and break the final seal,” Aspen revealed.

  The huntress gaped at her. “Two days ago?” Mara questioned. “I was dealing with the Blackthorns.” She turned her scrutinizing gaze at Mr. White. “So, they sold those women to create a distraction as well?”

  “Yes,” Aspen replied. “However, they underestimated the original undying’s power. Morgan enslaved them. She kept the commander and sent the Holy Blades back to Golden Mountain where they eventually snapped out of the trance.” The Watcher gazed at the former college professor. “Yesterday, Morgan appeared before Kallisto to explain why her Holy Blades returned without their commander. The goddess demanded his return, but Morgan claimed he had no desire to leave. Kallisto attempted to strike her down, but the original undying used a psychic projection. In anger, the goddess ordered the execution of the commander’s group for losing him. She then demanded Mr. White to retrieve him or else he’ll suffer the same fate.”

  Mara gave a wry smile while folding her arms. To be honest, she found it amusing. Morgan was toying with the goddess. No wonder why she was in a happy mood when Mara visited her.

  The old man looked at the huntress with pleading eyes. “You must help me. Who knows what she will do to him!”

  The smile faded from Mara’s face. She closed her eyes and said, “I already know what Morgan’s planning for Karl.”

  Everyone watched her.

  “What is she going to do?” James asked.

  She let out a sigh and opened her eyes. “She’s going to resurrect Kratés.”

  James and Mr. White gaped at her.

  “That’s impossible!” Mr. White cried.

  Mara shook her head. “I saw the body.” Gazing at Mr. White, she saw his mouth drop open in shock. She revealed, “Morgan needs Karl to complete the resurrection. She has no intentions to harm him, only to stop his heart long enough for Kratés’ soul to leave his body. After Kratés returns to life, she’ll revive Karl.”

  “Really?” James questioned.

  She nodded. “That is our deal.”

  “How could you?” Mr. White demanded. Everyone looked at him. The old man pointed at Mara again. “You must go back there and save him!”

  Mara rolled her eyes. “I’m not saving him.”

  “You must!”

  She was taken aback by his sudden outburst. Mara couldn’t understand his aggression, but grew to a point where she had enough. The huntress stormed up to Mr. White and glared at him with glowing eyes. “Why should I save him? Because of you, I lost everything! Then you used me, even though I saved you and your ward.” Mara pointed to the door. “Now, get out!” The huntress kept scowling at him. “If I ever see you again, I will kill you!”

  She turned her back and folded her arms. The old man’s mouth dropped open. He looked as if he didn’t know how to retaliate.

  “But, Mara,” he squeaked.

  She ignored him, not caring for anything else he had to say. Aspen watched him. The eyes on her visor began to glow.

  “We are being watched,” Aspen said.

  The old man gazed back at the Watcher with horror. Mara turned to look at her. She was perplexed, but noticed Mr. White’s face when she glanced at him. James also took notice and dashed into another room. He returned with a small black box. Mara watched while he placed it on the ground in front of them.

  “What are you doing?” Mara asked.

  In silence, James activated it. The box opened up, revealing a glowing blue gem inside. The glow grew brighter, releasing a powerful flash of light, blinding them for a short while.

  When her vision cleared, Mara saw circular runes on the floor glowing in a bright blue colour. Then they faded away. She looked at James. “What’s going on? Was that…?”

  “Anti-magic field generator,” James replied. “While we’re unable to use any form of magic in the generated field, the circle also prevents any magic from the outside to be used against us.”

  “Like magic used to spy,” Aspen added, gazing at Mr. White. “He was linked to Kallisto, allowing her to spy on us through him. She was watching us the whole entire time.”

  She gawked at Aspen before turning her attention to the former college professor. Mara looked daggers at him.

  “You knew the whole time?” Mara questioned in a sharp tone.

  “What was I to say to you?” The old man began to tremble. “In case you haven’t realized, Miss Ashwood, I am kept on a short leash! They already suspect me of conspiring against them.”

  Mara was bewildered. “What do you mean they suspect you?”

  “Every year I served Karl, I watched as he turned into a monster,” Mr. White revealed. “I can no longer stand back and watch while his soul becomes corrupted again.”

  She gave a strange expression. It was as if the old man became a different person. She folded her arms. “What are you talking about?”

  “Do you remember the time when Karl fell victim to Anna?” Mr. White inquired.

  The huntress nodded. “Yes, I do.”

  Mara recalled the day Mr. White begged her to save Commander White from Anna. It was a very difficult rescue with the first attempt ending in death. The second attempt was possible with the help of Allen and the Watcher.

  “Well, I believe that was the real Karl,” the old man said. “After the incident, he became a different man. He was free before he saw Kallisto again.” Mr. White added, “And when he challenged you at the temple, he regained his mind temporarily.”

  “Must have been the generator the Holy Blades stole earlier,” James said. “It might have weakened Kallisto’s hold over him for a brief moment.” He gazed at the Watcher. “It may also explain why Aspen couldn’t teleport into the temple.”

  Mara glanced at the middle-aged doctor with intrigue before looking back at the former college professor.

  Mr. White gazed at her with a softer expression. “I want to save him and I need your help.”

  The huntress furrowed her eyebrows. “Well, if you want him to be free, then he’s better off being with Morgan. She’s attempting to free Karl from Kallisto’s control.”

  “It might not be enough,” Mr. White claimed. “Thalia’s power was divided among her reincarnations, thus she may be unsuccessful.”

  “So, you have a better idea?” Mara asked.

  “Yes, I do.” He looked at the Watcher. “I know what you are,” Mr. White addressed Aspen. “I know it was you who sealed away Mara’s memories and restored her humanity. If you can do that for her, then Karl can still be saved.”

  Mara and Aspen exchanged glances before looking back at Mr. White.

  “Aspen?” Mara asked the old man. “Why her and not the original undying?”

  “I am half-darkling,” Aspen answered. “The experimentations augmented the latent psychic powers within me.”

  The former college professor cleared his throat, then gazed at Mara. “Will you please save him?”

  Mara folded her arms. “I still don’t know if I should trust you.”

  “I don’t blame you,” he told her. “Still, I need you to place your trust in me again.”

  “Why should I?”

  “I’m leaving the Faith of Kallikratés. I will leave for Corlin, and take Karl with me once we free him. I know of your plan to slay the goddess, and I wish you well in your endeavour.”

  The three friends looked at him in confusion.

  “You have no problem with me killing Kallisto?” Mara questioned.

  “That’s correct,”
Mr. White said. “As I’ve said before, I can no longer watch as his soul darkens.” He revealed, “My family has served as Karl’s guardians ever since he was five. His real father passed away. We took him in, raising him as one of our own. He was given the greatest privileges and the best education, but it didn’t change the fact he was from one of the old bloodlines. Started by Kratés when he was human.”

  Mara gave a peculiar look. “You just admitted to Kratés being human.”

  The old man cleared his throat, then placed his hands behind his back. “That is correct.”

  “Isn’t that going against your beliefs?”

  Mr. White walked past her. “Maybe, if it had anything to do with my beliefs, or even religion.” He looked back at Mara. “You, of all people, know the Faith has very little to do with religion and more to do with power.”

  “Can’t argue with that logic,” Mara mused. “Still, you haven’t given me a reason why I should help you. You can’t expect me to do this out of the kindness of my own heart.”

  “I have something you want.”

  “Like what?” Mara asked.

  “A way to stop Thalia from taking over,” Mr. White said.

  She stared at him in shock. “What?”

  Mara glanced at Aspen, but the latter just gazed back at her.

  Mr. White saw this. “I’ll tell you more once you return with Karl. Do we have a deal?”

  Mara frowned. “Do I have a choice?”

  The old man sighed. “I’ll give you an hour to decide.” Then he went to sit in the living room and picked up a book to read.

  She looked back at Aspen. “You couldn’t read his mind?”

  James approached them. “Sorry, this generator is fully functional. Unlike the defective one the Holy Blades stole, this will block all of Aspen’s powers if she’s in it.” He moved the device closer to the former college professor so he could have some protection from the watchful eyes of the goddess.