The Cursed Herald

by Rina S Mamoon

  The elder looked behind him.

  Mara heard the voice as well. “Who is that?”

  Ravenclaw glanced back at her and said, “Our shaman, Alkina, wishes to speak to you. Go on. Go see her.”

  Mara walked past him and entered the other room. Inside was a lone woman surrounded by incense. She recognized the shaman, remembering the ritual performed on her. The one responsible for her transformation was now much older. The shaman had to be at least a hundred years old. Her thin face was decorated with several wrinkles. Her eyes, once dark, were now faded and glazed. She appeared to be blind. Her nose was much thinner. The hair was pure white like fresh fallen snow. She was dressed in white robes while a hood casted a shadow over her face.

  The shaman kept her eyes on Mara. “You are the child of the one we sent away?”

  Mara nodded. “Yes, I’m the daughter of Bear Ashwood.”

  “Such a beautiful woman you grew into,” Alkina said. A smile formed on her wrinkled face. “I want you to know it was never in ill will to send him away.”

  Mara tilted her head to the right. The shaman wasn’t as blind as she appeared to be. “I know. You did it to protect the village and my family. Though Kallikratés still found me.”

  “Yes, I remember it as if it were yesterday,” Alkina told her. The shaman’s smile faded. “The vile sorceress casted a spell to kill you, making it look like an illness. Your father returned to the village, desperate to find a way to protect you. I gave him a moonstone necklace and instructed him to place it around your neck.”

  Mara reached into her cloak and grasped the clear blue pendant. She showed the necklace.

  “Ah, you’re still wearing it! Moonstone siphons magic,” the shaman explained. “This protected you from the false goddess.”

  A thought crossed Mara’s mind. “It doesn’t protect me all the time. When I first encountered Kallisto, she killed me. Sometimes it worked.”

  “Hmm, there’s only so much magic they can absorb before breaking,” Alkina said, gazing at the moonstone. “It might be enough to defeat her, but I recommend you find a new one. Pure moonstones can remove a divine’s soul, although they are among the rarest.”

  Mara examined the crystal blue pendant, rolling it around in her fingers. “So, I can still use this to stop her?”

  “Yes, but keep this knowledge close to yourself,” the shaman answered. Then, “Surely you’ve heard of the discrimination against us. The Faith shepherded humanity, controlling how they think so none would stand up against them. We remain unshackled from their control. So they seek to destroy us.” Alkina gazed at Mara. “Though we are fortunate to have you. We performed the Melding Ceremony in order to give you the power to challenge the false goddess.”

  Mara furrowed her eyebrows. “Dad’s journal mentioned it, but I don’t know what it is.”

  “It is a ritual of the Thoron Witches,” Alkina revealed. “A Thoron Witch is created by being fed blood of the Wolf Goddess, Ulrika. The ritual was often performed by the divine or one of the witches. We had to make do with a substitute. You were given the blood of a shadow beast. The ritual was performed by me.” She shook her head. “To be honest, we’ve never tried it before, but we succeeded. You acquired some of the shadow beast’s powers, as well as its temperament.” She smiled again. “I hear you were quite the terror as a child.”

  Mara looked mystified. “Well, that explains the things I did.” She remembered those three incidents when she was younger. The boy and the rock, the girl and the chair, and the pervert were all triggers for the Huntress.

  “Do not worry about it,” the shaman told her. “Most children are often a handful.” She eyed the dagger in Mara’s possession. “You intend to seal away Thalia, even though she is your main weapon against Kallisto.”

  Mara glanced down at the dagger. “Everyone says she’s the only one who can defeat Kallisto, but at the cost of my existence?”

  “Who said you’d cease to exist? The Faith?” Alkina snorted. “You are Thalia, and Thalia is you.”

  “She took over my body,” Mara argued.

  “Did she? Or was it you reverting to your true form.” Alkina paused for a moment. “Thalia created the reincarnations to break free of her curse. Only an undying can slay an undying. You are a fragment of Thalia, but you are also her wish. The key to end her suffering.” She pointed at the dagger. “The Binding Dagger will not be enough.”

  “What do you mean?” Mara inquired.

  “It’s effective for one use. If you use it now, then claim another fragment, the dagger’s magic will be undone.”

  “So, you’re telling me not to use this right now?”

  Alkina nodded. “There are many factors to consider. As far as I’m concerned, the last reincarnation has not been born yet.”

  “How do you know?” Mara questioned.

  “For many years, we’ve been watching for the return of Thalia,” the shaman said. “Long ago, I performed a seance and predicted your birth as one of the reincarnations.” Then, “The last reincarnation will appear to you sooner or later.”

  “So, what do I do?”

  “Continue on your quest,” Alkina said. “I assume you’re going to challenge the one within the divine?”

  Mara nodded. “Yes, Aspen and I are going to kill the Forlorn and stop Aazalith.”

  “This will not be an easy task. She’s protected by formidable armour, once the body of a forgotten goddess. But you got this far. You should be able to overcome this challenge.” Alkina then asked, “After defeating the divine, you will challenge Kallisto?”

  “Yes,” Mara replied, looking at Nightingale.

  “Very well. Then what? What will you do afterwards?”

  Mara lifted her gaze to her. “I plan on going to Thoron. To remove my curse, I need to find the Blue Rose of Immortality. If it can make Thalia immortal, then it can make me human again. I need to find a way to get there.”

  “I see,” the shaman said. “Thalia was driven away from Thoron because of her curse. I’m very sure she has some unresolved issues and lingering regrets.”

  A bell began to toll. Mara searched for the source of the sound. It reminded her of the warning bell in Ozin.

  “Ah, the bell tolls,” Alkina said.

  Mara glanced back at her. “What is that?”

  “Aazalith is awakening.”

  Mara’s jaw dropped. Alkina beckoned a man and whispered in his ear. He nodded and went to another room. He returned with a strange lantern. Instead of having a chamber for a flame, it possessed a large moonstone.

  “To get to the Forlorn, you’ll need this: the Moon Lantern,” the shaman said.

  Mara gazed at the lantern while receiving it. “Thanks… How do I use this?”

  “It will respond to Aazalith’s presence. Shine the light into the darkness,” Alkina said. “Hurry home, my dear. Aazalith is coming. She will emerge from the eastern ocean.”

  Mara heeded her words, even if they sort of confused her. She left the house. On the way out, the Stone Mages bowed to her. The bell continued to toll as she left the village. The resonating sound filled her ears and lingered in her mind. She mounted the little lady and left the village.

  While passing through the tangled forest, Mara sensed the lifting of the oppressive air. The trees didn’t appear as twisted and the sunlight was able to reach the forest floor. With the wendigo gone, the forest was reverting to normal. It would take a while, but it was a step in the right direction. The songbirds sang for the first time as squirrels chirped in alarm to her presence.

  At full gallop, the mare took her home to James and Aspen.

  Chapter Twenty

  A Final Farewell

  Mara spotted the City of Mirahyll by late afternoon on December 25. As she drew closer, she noticed a thick fog rolling in. The clouds grew darker the closer she approached the city. She could sense something wasn’t right. Even the lady could sense it. The horse made an abrupt stop and reared up. Although the huntress wa
s taken by surprise, she was prepared this time. She attempted to dismount, but fell to the ground. Unlike before, she landed on her bottom. Even though the fall didn’t kill her, it was still very painful. While the huntress recovered, the little lady galloped away from her.

  “Damn horse,” Mara muttered.

  The huntress noticed the lantern in her possession. It emanated a faint blue glow. Aazalith was coming, just as the shaman warned. Rising to her feet, she hurried home to Mirahyll.

  ***

  She ran for the remaining portion. Aazalith could arrive at any moment. Mara gasped for air while dashing through the streets. Not many people were around. At least nobody got in her way. When she got to James’ place, she knocked on the door frantically. James answered, appearing calm.

  “Oh, you’re back,” he greeted.

  Mara gasped for air while looking at him. “Sorry, it took longer than expected,” she said between pants.

  James looked concerned. “Did you run all the way here?”

  “The horse left me just outside the city.”

  “Well, come inside.” James invited her in.

  Entering his home, the first thing Mara noticed was Mr. White in the living room. Aspen stood in the distance. The huntress looked at James with a questioning glance.

  “What’s going on?”

  “We wanted to wait for you,” James replied.

  Mara gave a strange look. “Why did you wait for me?”

  The old man stepped forward. “I made the decision,” he explained. “So you can have a chance to say goodbye to him.”

  Mara turned her gaze to the former college professor and furrowed her eyebrows. “There was nothing between us. He never loved me.”

  “He would have if he were free,” Mr. White insisted. “You saw what he was like when not under Kallisto’s control.”

  Mara remembered Karl kneeling before her, wanting to tell her something important. She reckoned he wanted to tell her the truth, but was stopped by his adoptive father and the Holy Blades. She also recalled the ride in the carriage where Karl kissed her. Mara snapped out of it, feeling embarrassed to even think about it.

  “No, we have no time. Aazalith is about to awaken.”

  “It won’t take long,” James told her. “He’s in the guest room.”

  However, Mara wouldn’t budge. Everyone took notice and frowned at her.

  “Please,” Mr. White pleaded. “Just say goodbye.”

  “Why?” Mara asked.

  “Once his memory is erased, he’ll no longer remember you,” Aspen said.

  “So? I meant nothing to him,” Mara argued. “What difference does it make if he no longer remembers me?”

  “Because you have Evelyn’s soul inside of you,” Aspen said. “Evelyn was his wife. At least she meant something to him.”

  Mara glared at her. “In case you’ve forgotten, he murdered his own wife and unborn child.” She took a step towards her. “He was responsible for the Siren and the Marionette. He was the reason why I became cursed and lost my family. You said it yourself.”

  The Watcher nodded. “Yes, it is true. But you, of all people, knew he was under Kallisto’s control. We all agreed he hadn’t been able to keep his mind.” Aspen said, “The only way he could ever be free was either through the power of Thalia or a darkling. He’s already free from Kallisto’s control, but is unable to cope with his actions. The answer is to erase his memories, including those of Evelyn. So, this is why we’re asking you to see him one more time.”

  “And I’ll take him to Corlin,” Mr. White added. “He’ll be as far away from Kallisto as possible.”

  Mara gazed at him. “What about the soul of Aazalith? You really think I’m going to let him walk away with a fragment.”

  “I promise to return with him after you slay Kallisto,” the former college professor claimed.

  “And we’ll remove it without killing him,” James said.

  Mara raised an eyebrow. They obviously planned some things behind her back.

  The old man stepped forward. “Karl is also a victim. He’s been enslaved for over two hundred fifty years. This will be his only chance of freedom. His one chance of starting over.”

  While his words rang true, it wasn’t like Mara could feel sympathy in an instant.

  “What if I refuse to see him?”

  Mr. White and James frowned. It was clear she wasn’t moved by their speech.

  The Watcher stepped forward and removed her visor. “Then you are as selfish as Kallisto.”

  James and Mr. White gaped at Aspen. Mara’s face grew hot.

  “Excuse me?” The huntress grew enraged hearing those words. How dare Aspen suggest Mara was anything like Kallisto? To be even compared to the goddess sent her mind reeling.

  Aspen held her ground. “Kallisto was enraged by the bond of Kratés and Thalia. She was driven to steal the soul of a divine so she could tear them apart. But no matter what she did, their bond was unbreakable. Even their reincarnations were drawn to each other. Kallisto spent her whole existence keeping their bond severed, going as far as making Karl repeat the actions of his progenitor. You’re doing the exact same by keeping Evelyn away from him.”

  Mara glared at her. “What are you talking about? Evelyn is dead!”

  “Yes, but her consciousness is very much alive,” Aspen revealed.

  The huntress gawked at her with a slack jaw. Even the two men were shocked.

  “What?” James asked.

  “It can’t be,” Mr. White muttered.

  The Watcher kept staring at Mara. “I always wondered how you could be so attracted to him despite your memory loss, or why you became upset whenever you saw him in Morgan’s arms. You acknowledged your relationship with him created a rift between you, Allen, and your father. But in the end, you still loved him. You were determined to save him, even if it meant the goddess’ murder.”

  “That’s not true,” Mara murmured, her voice began to break. “I wanted revenge.”

  “Did you, Mara?” Aspen questioned. “Or should I call you Evelyn?”

  James and Mr. White gawked at Aspen before turning their astonished gazes onto Mara. The more she thought about it, the more Mara realized Aspen was right. When she saw Karl and Morgan together on both occasions, she felt betrayed by him. Even though Mara kept telling herself she was no longer attracted to Karl, a tiny part of her still loved him. She didn’t know why until discovering this revelation. The huntress shook her head while tears formed in her eyes.

  “Why are you crying?” Aspen questioned. “Or are they even your tears?”

  Mara couldn’t take it anymore. It was bad enough with the threat of Thalia taking over, but now she had to deal with Evelyn. She reached for the Binding Dagger. One stab was all she needed to have her body back. Who cared if it was one use? However, her hand would no longer move. It began to shake and her fingers loosened. She watched as the dagger fell to the floor. Evelyn was fighting her in her own body! Her mouth trembled.

  “I just want to see him one last time.”

  Mara hadn’t planned to say those words. Her body turned to face the door to the guest room. She knew what Evelyn was planning, but wanted no part of it.

  “Mara, let her say goodbye to her husband,” James told her.

  She couldn’t believe her own friend told her to do this. Then again, she didn’t have much say as her body moved towards the guest room. She would have no choice but to let Evelyn say goodbye to her former husband.

  ***

  Mara saw him upon entering the room. Karl was laying in bed, not moving a muscle. He appeared to be sleeping. Much of his garb was removed, and he wore a white dress shirt. The rest of his body was covered by the bedsheets pulled up to his chest.

  She regained control of her body, but continued to approach his side. Deep down, Mara wanted to leave. But she stayed, knowing Evelyn could take over again or her friends would berate her. Taking a deep breath, she came closer to him. He had not stirred or responded
to her presence. When she reached him, Mara stopped and looked down. Some redness painted his eyelids. A single tear escaped from his left eye and rolled to the side. Unable to cope with the guilt of his actions, Karl was trapped within his own broken mind. A part of her was unmoved by his plight. Deep down, she thought he shouldn’t be allowed to forget, but remembered he was also a victim.

  Gazing at his face, Mara parted her lips. She wanted to say something, yet wasn’t sure where to start. After pausing for a few seconds, the huntress found the words to speak.

  “It wasn’t my choice to come here. I never wanted to see you, not after what you’ve done. Because of you, I lost everything.” Mara paused upon seeing another tear fall from his eye. It seemed he could hear her. “I’m going to kill Kallisto. Surely, it’ll be a great relief for you as it will be for me. I’m telling you this because you won’t remember.”

  She glanced around before looking back at him.

  “I can’t forgive you, at least not now. But I understand you were a victim as well. Kallisto took everything away from you. So, I guess I’m sorry this happened.” She turned away. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

  Something warm came through her eyes. Tears began to form again as emotions rose from the depths of her being. Flashes of memory came to her mind. She saw a house by a waterfall. The huntress recognized the place from before; this was where she encountered and fought the White Lady. It was once a home. Gazing at the house, Mara found it to be intact on a clear and sunny day. A familiar man approached the place, holding a sack of grain. Karl was making a delivery. Never once did he notice Mara. The huntress realized this was a memory of Evelyn’s. She was able to peer into her past, yet stood at the side as a spectator.

  He knocked on the door, but got no answer. With a free hand, he rummaged through his pocket. Karl pulled out a small hand-drawn map and checked it. This was the place, but no one appeared to be home at the moment. Nevertheless, he got the sack of grain here without spilling anything. He lowered it to the ground beside the front door. He finished his task and it was time to leave.