The Cursed Herald

by Rina S Mamoon

  Mara shook her head. “How could you say that? How could you be so willing to allow millions to die?” She glanced at everyone. “I saved this land from the monster you awoke. The same monster who is trying to reclaim the power your “goddess” stole!”

  “And you are a fool,” the priest berated Mara. “The last thing we needed was you playing the hero!”

  Mara stared numbly at the priest.

  The priest issued an order to the Holy Blades. “Kill her!” Then he glared at Mr. White. “After we deal with her, we will execute you for your treachery.”

  The old man’s face turned pale while two followers grabbed him.

  Mara frowned as the Holy Blades surrounded her. She never wanted to fight them, but didn’t have a choice. If she wanted to stop Kallisto, she would have to go through her followers.

  A loud knock on the main entrance drew everyone’s attention. It was as if a battering ram was being used. After a few knocks, the doors flew open and a large crowd of people charged in. Members of the Guardsmen stormed the Temple of Kallisto, outnumbering the Holy Blades. Even the followers were surprised by the sudden invasion.

  One of the priests stepped forward. “What is the meaning of this?”

  A female guardsman with pale skin, short black hair, and steel green eyes walked forward. Her garb looked similar to the commander’s, but with silver plating, and the greyish-blue coat was shorter. She appeared to be the captain.

  “By order of Chancellor Davis, the City of Mirahyll demands you answer for your crimes,” said the Captain of the Guardsmen.

  The priest glowered at her. “What crimes?”

  “We have more substantial evidence of the Faith’s dealings with the Blackthorn Guild,” according to the captain. “As well as damage to the city caused by the fire, and the murder of both Doctor Allen and James Moen. All members of the Faith are to surrender and come to Mirahyll to face judgement. If you refuse, we will use force.”

  Mara looked back at the priests, seeing how unhappy they looked. The one priest, who made the order to kill her, just stood there and clenched his teeth. His hand tightened into a fist.

  He looked to the Holy Blades and shouted, “Kill Them!”

  The captain shook her head.

  “Are you mad?” She drew her blade. The guardsmen followed suit.

  Madness ensued. The Holy Blades, guardsmen, and even some of the followers and priests fought each other. It became a bloodbath; a few lives were lost within seconds. At least Mara was ignored. In the ensuing chaos, she managed to get to the door where some of the followers took Kallisto. Before leaving, she looked back and surveyed the chaotic scene.

  Amidst the chaos, she saw Mr. White cowering in the corner. A Holy Blade approached him with his sword drawn. He lifted the sword above his head, then struck at the old man. Mr. White cried out of fear and scrambled out of the way. He tried to run, but was grabbed by his collar. The old man was thrown down with force as the Holy Blade intended to execute him.

  While watching, Mara realized he was different from the others. The old man didn’t appear to be affected by the magic in this mountain. Something in Mara changed. Even though the former college professor played a role in her misfortune, she didn’t see the entire picture before because she refused. Mr. White was an unwilling pawn, forced to do unspeakable things. He always appeared to be remorseful of his actions. She took notice of the commander’s body and a thought crossed her mind. There was another life worth saving. Mara decided to return to him. On the way, she spotted her cloak. She put her hood and cape back on, and walked through the carnage around her. She tucked her mask into the cloak as the hood casted a shadow over her face.

  The Holy Blade never saw it coming while raising his sword above his head, ready to execute Mr. White. In a flash of gold and silver, his sword suddenly fell to the ground behind him. The Holy Blade lowered his arms to find both his hands cleanly sliced off. He stared at his arms and didn’t react until being stabbed in the back. The tip of Nightingale emerged through his chest.

  The old man stared in shock while blood splattered onto him, staining his clothes and his right cheek. The huntress looked over at him with glowing eyes. In one quick motion, she moved Nightingale upwards. The Holy Blade made loud gurgling sounds while being sliced in half. Mr. White’s eyes were transfixed by the sight. Mara leaned over, cut his bonds, and grabbed his left arm. She pulled the old man to his feet.

  “You saved me!” Mr. White cried. “After all the things I’ve done.”

  The huntress dragged him to the door. On the way, she glanced at Commander White’s corpse. The pool of blood surrounding him spread further. Mara looked away and guided the former college professor to the door. She saw a few more priests flee through it.

  “Where does this go?” Mara asked him as they approached the entrance.

  The old man snapped out of his shock, then cleared his throat. “Ah, this leads down into the Dark Labyrinth. It is the passage to where the soul of Aazalith is being kept.”

  She stared down the dark pathway and took a step forward.

  “Find somewhere to hide,” she instructed him.

  Mara ran down the path and entered the Dark Labyrinth.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The Twisted Divine

  Mara followed the priests deep into the depths of the mountain. She came across a narrow bridge and watched as they crossed it. A terrible tremor bellowed from below, causing all but a few to fall to their deaths. The others paid no mind and fled into the darkness. The huntress waited for the tremor to end, then crossed the narrow bridge. To her luck, the bridge didn’t feel her weight. After crossing, she felt another tremor. No doubt the earthquakes were caused by using the soul of Aazalith. She needed to hurry.

  She arrived at a large chamber. On the pedestal stood a large burning blue flame. It was the soul of Aazalith. Kallisto was on the pedestal, bathing in the power of the divine’s soul. Mara knew she had to stop her, but was halted by the Holy Blades and some of the followers.

  A priest shouted, “You are too late! The power belongs to her! No one will interfere!”

  Mara could only watch as the soul enwrapped the old crone. The soul engulfed her like fire while she consumed its power. Within seconds, Kallisto reverted back to the powerful and beautiful goddess. Then the blue flames faded away. Kallisto claimed the entire soul, and all of Mara’s efforts were undone.

  The followers fell to their knees and bowed.

  Another priest announced, “Hail Kallisto! Our glorious Goddess has returned.”

  Kallisto ignored her followers and looked straight at the huntress. The goddess gave a smug look while lifting her arms. A powerful aura flared up around her like blue flames. She was merely demonstrating her power.

  Mara glared at her while gripping Nightingale. She needed to be prepared for what the goddess would do. After absorbing the entire soul, the huntress speculated Kallisto would be more powerful than before.

  All of a sudden, the blue flames dissipated. Kallisto froze, then began to tremble. One of the priests lifted his gaze and noticed the goddess was shaking.

  “Goddess, what is wrong?”

  The other followers took notice and rose to their feet. Kallisto buried her face in her trembling hands. The shaking didn’t subside. She was breathing heavily. The magical essence billowed out of her mouth with each breath. The followers looked concerned. One of the priests stepped forward.

  “Goddess,” he addressed her again. “What is wrong?”

  Through her fingers, Kallisto gazed up at the priest. Mara noticed her eyes were glowing blue. When the goddess lowered her hands, everyone froze. Six blue eyes sat on Kallisto’s face. No longer did she appear human. To the huntress, she looked more like a darkling. The followers seemed baffled, unsure how to react to their goddess’ transformation.

  Kallisto lifted her right arm to the priest. Black tentacles burst from her arm and bore deep into the priest’s face, gouging his eyes out. He had no ti
me to scream as the tentacles tore through vital organs. Then Kallisto pulled them out. The priest was dead before he hit the ground. The rest of the followers stood like statues, their mouths agape and eyes wide open. None expected this to happen. Even the huntress didn’t see this coming.

  Kallisto glared at everyone and roared. More tentacles shot out of her body. Her mouth was wide open with magic billowing out. Cracks formed on her face. Unable to contain the immense power of the divine, Kallisto’s body burst into flames. The goddess screamed as she became charred beyond recognition. A powerful force of wind blew the ashes about. Another massive tremor caused part of the chamber to collapse into the darkness. It took the pedestal and Kallisto along with it. A huge plume of dust kicked up from the chasm. From the chaos, a dark creature emerged. Tentacles wrapped around whatever remained of the goddess, and reshaped itself into a massive grotesque monster.

  The new monster appeared female. Her skin was transparent as several tendrils made up her bones. She possessed a glowing white core inside of her chest, like Aazalith. Many large tentacles ascended from the body. The creature looked at everyone with six glowing blue eyes. She could only be seen from the waist up. Everyone froze upon seeing the face of the creature. It was Kallisto. She somehow became a divine. The creature released another roar.

  Mara gripped Nightingale, knowing she needed to slay this horrible monster, or else the rest of Ardana would be in danger. However, she would find no help. Most of the followers either died of shock or fled for their lives. Those who remained were paralyzed with fear. Kallisto raised her right hand and blasted them with powerful magic, striking them down. Mara survived, but wondered if she was fortunate to be alive. While struggling to her feet, the huntress glanced around. No one else survived the attack. She gazed back at Kallisto. Could she do this alone?

  “What? Don’t tell me you’re giving up now!”

  Mara heard a familiar voice. A figure appeared before her. The Silver Thorn armour and red braided hair was familiar. The red-haired woman turned and smiled at Mara. The huntress saw her steel-blue eyes and immediately recognized her.

  “Saskia? How? Why are you…?”

  “We have been watching you,” a familiar male voice spoke. Mara looked to her left and saw Harold. The former Silver Thorn leader stared at the colossal creature before gazing at her. Harold looked exactly as he did before he died.

  Khan, Isabella, Anna, and Heru also appeared by her side.

  “You’re all here.” Mara glanced to each of the six heroes who defeated Aazalith long ago.

  “If you think we came here to give you a pep talk, you are mistaken!” Isabella chided.

  Mara identified Hema’s former ruler by the ivory and dark purple dress with jewels sewn into it. She still wore her white pearls and silver jewelry, as well as her matching crown. Isabella was once a vampire who lived for eighteen centuries, but her eyes were now pale green on a slightly fuller face. Her skin remained pale, though her long blonde hair seemed to possess more colour. Mara suspected this was the queen’s human form. The huntress looked at her face. Isabella remained sour for what Mara did.

  Lady Isabella placed her hands on her hips. “I wouldn’t mind if such a creature destroyed Ardana. Perhaps humans will learn how to be appreciative for once!”

  “Would it not be better to have her stop the ones who caused our misery?” Heru questioned. Everyone watched him. Heru noticed this and scratched the back of his head in a nervous manner. “What?”

  Mara knew the tall and muscular man by his tanned skin and short silver hair. His shaven face remained the same. He still wore his leather armour, decorated with metal plates and a wolf’s pelt. Heru was an ancient werewolf, though he looked no different as a human. Never once did his dark eyes fall on Mara. He still remembered that incident.

  Isabella raised an eyebrow. “Never thought a mongrel like you could still desire revenge.”

  “Well, you’re not the only one targeted for assassination!” Heru scowled at the former vampire.

  “True, very well.” Isabella turned to Mara. “If you know what’s good for you, you will defeat this creature once and for all.”

  Lady Isabella and Heru faded away after imparting their final message.

  “It’s time for the world to know the truth,” Anna said.

  Mara looked at her. At first, she didn’t recognize Anna because she was the darkling sealed within the Black Tower. Anna now possessed red hair like Saskia, but it was in a neat bun. The young woman appeared to be in her early twenties. Her skin was pale and her eyes were dark brown. She wore ancient robes, matching her role as a scholar.

  “The veil Kallisto and Kratés created must fall.” Anna then joined Lady Isabella and Heru.

  Khan walked up to Mara. Unlike the emaciated man encountered in the labyrinth, he looked much better and dignified. His skin was brown and he possessed short black hair. Khan was dressed in brown and white robes. He had a wooden staff in his possession. His dark brown eyes were filled with respect and admiration. Seeing Mara’s face reminded him of the daughter he lost.

  The wandering monk placed his left hand on the huntress’ right shoulder. “I’ve been waiting for this day,” he told her. “As the reincarnation of my daughter, I have faith in you.” He also disappeared before her eyes.

  Mara was left with Harold and Saskia as the three watched the colossal creature.

  “Any advice?” Mara addressed Harold.

  He studied the monster. “Kallisto has become a divine,” he told her. “She will be a great foe, but is not without her weaknesses. Behold the core in her chest.” Then he gazed at Mara. “I am sorry.”

  Mara looked perplexed. “Sorry about what?”

  Harold sighed. “I believed only Thalia could stop her, but you have proven me wrong. Despite not having the original undying’s power, you were able to defeat the goddess and her commander on your own. So, I know you’ll prevail.” With that, Harold faded away.

  Saskia looked at Mara and shrugged. “See? No pressure… Just remember to keep your sword up and don’t get hit.” She waved goodbye to the huntress, leaving her alone to face the twisted divine.

  As Mara watched the monstrous entity, she sensed a presence nearby.

  “Mara… Remember…”

  In the darkness, she saw the seven glowing eyes of the Watcher.

  “Aspen?” Mara asked.

  Aspen’s eyes remained on her, gazing into her mind. The Watcher broke through the veil one more time. All of a sudden, Mara saw the images of the White Lady, the Siren, and the Marionette.

  “Each undying had a place of power,” Aspen said. “The White Lady had Misty Valley. The Siren had the waters around Har’ Yhan. And the Marionette had her home near Haranta Village. Each of these places held a significant meaning to them. It is where their power was at their strongest. You have the Dark Labyrinth. It has been your domain for the past thirty years.”

  Then the Watcher’s eyes faded from her view.

  “You have the power to end this,” Aspen said.

  Now alone, the huntress gazed up at the twisted divine. She could sense the magical essence flowing through the Dark Labyrinth. Tiny sprites appeared before her. Just a fleeting thing, but Mara walked through them, absorbing them into her body. She stopped and raised her arms. She levitated off the ground as the magical essence flowed into her. When she absorbed enough magic, a dark aura burst forth and flared up around the huntress. Opening her eyes, they glowed yellow. The dark blotches reappeared around her eyes and down the sides of her face. She gripped Nightingale. Storming over to Kallisto, Mara knew she could defeat her.

  The twisted monstrosity released another roar. From within her core, a powerful wave of magic was unleashed. It was like a gust of wind, almost knocking Mara over. She could sense the powerful magic from the divine while it flowed throughout the Dark Labyrinth. A light moan drew the huntress’ attention. Looking behind her, Mara saw five Holy Blades and two priests rising to their feet. Their faces
were pale with white eyes and grey lips. Kallisto reanimated the corpses of her own followers. The undead took notice, then shuffled towards her.

  Upon seeing them, Mara believed this little undead army wouldn’t be a threat. As she began to fight the Holy Blades, dark red fumes burst from their bodies. Their eyes glowed red as a black ooze seeped from their eye sockets. They suddenly came after her with more aggression. They were faster and stronger, and fought with more ferocity than when alive. The huntress didn’t know what was causing them to get so powerful. Looking around, she noticed the priests. The undead priests stood still while chanting incantations. She couldn’t understand them for it sounded like jumbled words. A strange red aura surrounded them, hinting they were the ones powering up the Holy Blades. She dashed at them.

  At least the priests were easy to kill. As soon as she dealt with them, the enchantment on the Holy Blades were dispelled. Mara was now able to kill them without too much difficulty. Each one took a few hits before falling. While dealing with the last one, a dark shadow loomed over the huntress. Mara turned around and saw a large tentacle about to be slammed down on her. She dodged out of the way, but the Holy Blade wasn’t so lucky. The blood gushed out of him as his body was flattened. Mara’s attention was drawn to the divine. Kallisto appeared unhappy. The twisted divine raised another tentacle and tried to hit her, but the huntress dodged her attack.

  Looking at the core, Mara dashed towards it. She intended to end this now. However, the divine released another magic blast, knocking the huntress down. She cried out in pain while hitting the ground with a thud. While recovering, she saw one of the tentacles wrapped around her left ankle. The divine pulled the huntress up into the air, and she was hanging upside down.

  The monstrosity shook Mara like a rag doll, trying to make her drop her sword. Though the huntress held on. She glanced down and saw the divine looking up at her with a sinister smile. Kallisto opened her mouth wide. Mara looked back at the tentacle and saw it uncoil, releasing her ankle. The huntress screamed while falling into the void.