Dagger & Deception

by Jeremy Dwyer

  They booked passage from their home in the continent of Javanda to the island of Av-Tovenka, in the Ikkith Tar Ocean. They hired an expert navigator, who understood the waters and how to make corrections for the visual distortions. Theodore and Gretchen disembarked from the ship and made their way on a well-paved, quaint road through a wooded area. They passed over several attractive bridges that spanned pleasant rivers. They proceeded along this path toward a beautiful manor in the heart of the forest, home to Baron Vladimir, who was considered to be among the most judicious and trustworthy brokers of land and mineral rights, and most given to pricing risk in a fair manner, as he was also mathematically well-versed.

  Had this actually been the manor of Baron Vladimir, Theodore and Gretchen had every good reason to believe in a mutually beneficial financial arrangement. However, this wasn’t his manor, or even the island where it was located.

  ~~~

  Their expert navigator was not perfect, and made an error without realizing it. There were several similarly-sized islands in the Ikkith Tar Ocean that were in close proximity to one another, and he mistakenly landed at Udovedaj-Pren Island. When things like this occurred, the mistake was usually identified in a few minutes, or hours, at most. However, that would not be the case on this occasion. A lighthouse stood on the island, and shone brightly, making the island easy to find. On occasion, and this was one of those occasions, the lighthouse beacon shone bright and hot – blazing hot – and it began burning the captain’s flesh, and it set his ship ablaze. He was incinerated in less than three (3) minutes, and his ship sank to the bottom of the sea. Theodore and Gretchen were far along the path, on a pleasant walk toward the beautiful and stately manor, unaware of the murder and horror that was behind them.

  ~~~

  When Theodore and Gretchen arrived at the grand manor, the door was opened to them and they were met by a tall man with the formal attire of a servant of the wealthy. He looked as if he waited on the wishes of a king, and they felt this was an auspicious sign of the vast wealth of their expected host, Baron Vladimir. “Welcome. Please follow me,” the servant said, and guided them into a comfortable waiting room, with the finest furniture, and various tapestries and portraits on the walls. The entire room was impressive, with high ceilings and gorgeous décor. They waited a few minutes, and discussed the financial matter with each other.

  “After the purchase of the land, we must hire an agricultural administrator, so as to tend to the farming,” Theodore said.

  “We must also hire a coordinator for the mining, so as to ensure it operates properly,” Gretchen said.

  “A pair of such coordinators may be needed. One should be drinker of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean, who can evaluate the quality of the extracted gems. The other should be a drinker of the Medathero waters, to monitor the output level and adjust scheduling,” Theodore said.

  “Perhaps a third coordinator should be included, also a drinker of the Kazofen waters, to survey the geology of the land subdivisions and prioritize the areas for mining. This one could also assist in recommendation of additional land to purchase,” Gretchen said.

  “Of course, all of this depends on the level of investment we can actually secure, because each of these highly-paid positions will need to be multiplied three (3) or more times to ensure availability at all hours and days while the others rest,” Theodore said.

  The servant then returned to the waiting area, and said: “Please join us for dinner.”

  Gretchen and Theodore looked at each other, impressed, thinking that this was a delightful way to get to know Baron Vladimir and begin to discuss their investment.

  “We would be delighted,” Theodore said.

  “We are enchanted by this warm welcome,” Gretchen said.

  They followed the servant into a large dining room, and were greeted by a beautiful woman with dark hair and a thin face, who was, at most, forty (40) years old. “I am so pleased to see you. My name is Madeline. Who are my esteemed and charming guests?” the woman asked.

  Gretchen and Theodore looked at each other, confused. They never knew of Baron Vladimir having a wife, or a sister, or a close companion. They greeted Madeline, however, wanting to be very polite.

  “My name is Theodore. This is my lovely wife, Gretchen. We were hoping to discuss many things and mutual interests about our business,” Theodore said.

  “Hoping?” Madeline asked.

  “Please excuse us, but we were expecting to see Baron Vladimir, so as to discuss a land investment opportunity. Have we come at an inappropriate time?” Gretchen asked.

  “Not at all. I am good friends with Vladimir. We trust each other completely, and I would be so delighted if you would join me for dinner,” Madeline said.

  Not wishing to insult a friend of their anticipated land investment broker, they graciously accepted the invitation, then sat and dined on fine meats and produce and drank of fine wines.

  “You say you are interested in discussing a land investment opportunity. How very interesting. Do tell, so that I may enjoy discussing the subject with you,” Madeline said to them.

  “We would like to purchase a large tract of land to be divided for use in both mining and farming activity. With properly calculated and geologically surveyed subdivision, it would be profitable in diamond mining, along with the mining of other precious gems, of course, as well as being agriculturally self-sufficient. Surplus food could be sold at a profit, as well as purified waters,” Gretchen said.

  “We have detailed financial models and equations to guide the operation of this investment property under different economic conditions,” Theodore said.

  “How fascinating! This new financial development does, indeed, sound to be of great interest. I am sure that Vladimir will be interested to make arrangements with you. How much land are you interested in appropriating?” Madeline asked.

  “Approximately five hundred thousand (500000) acres,” Theodore said.

  Madeline estimated the cost, and reasoned that these people must be substantially wealthy. Her interest was piqued by the magnitude of the number, but not by the purpose.

  “I assure you that I will do everything I can to facilitate such a grand purchase,” Madeline said.

  “Are you a business partner with Baron Vladimir?” Gretchen asked.

  “Most definitely. I am a joint owner of much of the land that he owns, and I have much of my own land in separate investments. I am certain that we can identify that which would be most suitable for your investment needs,” Madeline said.

  “Could you show us some of the land surveys, so that we can discuss the possibilities?” Theodore asked.

  “Why, certainly,” Madeline said. She looked to one of her servants – a heavyset man who looked to be about thirty (30) years old – and said: “Please do bring me the land survey maps.”

  The servant left and returned with a long brass cylinder, then reached into it and removed a map, unfolding it onto the dining table which had since been cleared.

  “Very good, then. Please remain with us, should we require additional maps,” Madeline said to the servant.

  “This area appears to be interesting. Of course, a geological survey by a drinker of the Kazofen waters to determine mineral quality will be necessary,” Gretchen said while pointing at a very large section of apparently arable land adjoining a mountain, which also seemed suitable for mining as well as farming.

  “And an agricultural survey by a drinker of the Gradaken waters will need to be consulted to determine soil quality, and possibly to increase it,” Theodore said.

  “Oh, yes. That is quite a valuable section of land. You said you wanted five-hundred thousand (500000) acres, as I recall,” Madeline said.

  “Indeed, that is what we said,” Theodore replied.

  “This will be quite an investment, and you will be most pleased with its yield,” Madeline said.

  “Could we discuss a suitable price?” Gretchen asked.

  Madeline consider
ed this, and said, “At one hundred twenty (120) platinum coins per acre, it will cost sixty million (60000000) total.”

  Theodore considered the price to be fair, and looked to Gretchen for approval. She seemed uncertain, and then she asked: “That’s an interesting price. Still, is there any summary indication of the quality of the land? Are their soil samples and mineral samples? These can’t replace a full survey, but will help guide our pricing negotiations.”

  Madeline seemed as if she didn’t know the answer. However, she replied, saying: “I can issue you a guarantee of the minimum yields of any particular farming crop, or of any particular mineral. What are your minimum requirements?”

  Gretchen seemed pleased with this answer and then she replied: “Perhaps it would be better to write down the land value in the form of a land purchase contract, with the minimum yields stated. We can then review that.”

  Madeline then stood up, saying: “I shall return shortly with a suitable contract. I am confident that you will find it more than satisfactory.” She then left them alone in the large dining room.

  After several minutes, Madeline returned with a land purchase contract, and placed it on the long table before Theodore and Gretchen. Madeline then said: “I shall leave you some time to review it at your leisure. Please, make yourselves at home. I want all of my guests to be comfortable; even more so when conducting business.” Then, Madeline left them alone again.

  Theodore reviewed the statements made about the quality of the land, as did Gretchen.

  “These are five (5) to ten (10) percent above average crop yields, and could yield a valuable surplus, allowing for some variation,” Theodore said.

  “This is a viable contract, but not extraordinary. The mineral yields, for diamond especially, are only one-half (1/2) percent above average. It’s worthwhile only if the claims hold fully true and we don’t have to seek a price adjustment for any failure to deliver,” Gretchen said.

  “If the location is suitable, and readily accessible, then that could make the difference,” Theodore said.

  “What is the location? We need to ask her that,” Gretchen said.

  Madeline returned after several minutes, and Gretchen asked her: “My dear, where is this land located?”

  “On the northwestern region of this very island. I trust your journey here was pleasant and convenient,” Madeline said.

  “Indeed, it was,” Theodore answered.

  Gretchen considered this, and said: “Very well. We shall sign the contract. This is most appropriate for our needs, as it is very accessible from all sides, being an island.”

  “Excellent decision! Please mark the contract with your distinctive seal of agreement, so that we may proceed with this most profitable exchange,” Madeline said.

  Theodore and Gretchen both drew forth special signature seals, with their confidential numbers that identified their particular financial accounts, and used these to mark the contract.

  At this, Madeline said: “Congratulations! You have shown excellent judgment. It is a most wonderful decision you have made. You have affirmed my absolute supremacy, over you and everything you own!”

  At this, Madeline’s face transformed from that of a beautiful woman to that of a demonic being, with worms and snakes pouring out of her eye sockets. Her skin turned blood red. Then a river of blood poured from her mouth, which was filled with curved fangs. Her fingers became claws. As if this weren’t terrifying enough, a fifteen (15) foot long king cobra stood up from behind a book case in the room, and made its way toward the older couple.

  Gretchen was startled beyond comprehension, and her heart stopped and she died instantly of a most terrible fright. Theodore saw her pass and died immediately of a combination of fear and despair.

  Then, all of these terrible things disappeared, and Madeline returned to her former appearance. They were illusions, and she was a drinker of the waters of the Lujladia Ocean. This gave her the power to generate and bend light, as well as to twist light and create illusions of any sort she could imagine. She had an extremely high innate potential for power over light, and the Lujladia waters multiplied this potential greatly.

  Madeline was only thirty-nine (39) years old, but she was among the greatest, if not the very greatest, light bender and illusionist in the world, but she was not known for this. There were few at her extremely high level of potential, and those who had the powers often concealed them. Anyone could start out by drinking the Lujladia waters as their choice of great waters, but if their innate potential wasn’t high, the results would be lackluster: at most, some of them could see a few percent better in the dark, or bend light around corners, but they could not create any illusions that were believable. The highest potential was distributed to a few rare individuals.

  Even the documents she presented to them were illusions. The wording on them was actually a complete financial transfer of their wealth, making her the steward of the wealth of an aging couple no longer competent to manage the money themselves. Only their signature seals were real, and now Madeline was to become even wealthier. She called to her young servant to deliver these documents to the proper bank, where the now-deceased couple’s money was held. That servant made his way to the luxury sailing ship that Madeline kept nearby, having stolen it from a wealthy entrepreneur that she had murdered a month ago. The servant boarded the ship, and the captain, who was a former pirate who now worked for Madeline, took him and the financial documents to the continent of Baradaxa, so that the transaction could be completed.

  Madeline would receive all the old couple’s money, and delighted in her growing fortune. She called in two (2) more servants, who dragged the corpses outside to her garden. Madeline followed the servants and guided them on where to bury the bodies. She made sure that it was away from a special place, where there was a single headstone.

  Madeline had used her powers of illusion to kill many wealthy individuals and couples after taking control of their estates. She knew how to lure them to this island with false light and she knew how to bend light to burn the ships on which they arrived, concealing her crimes. The waters of the Lujladia Ocean gave her such power when she drank them that light was as potter’s clay to her, to be shaped as she pleased. She also knew enough about financial matters to leave misleading clues in the banking records, because she always had the stolen money deposited into an account that bore a different name. In the banking records, Madeline did not appear to be especially wealthy, or to be accumulating wealth.

  Another deception was how she buried her victims. They were placed without headstones, so the single headstone that was in the garden was the only death she honored…or mourned. In truth, Madeline was neither demonic nor beautiful in appearance. Both were illusions created with the powers of the Lujladia Ocean waters. In truth, she was disfigured from birth and hideously unattractive. She had always been the target of mockery and told that she was worthless, even by her brother. Her parents had words of comfort, but made no assurances that she would ever find a lover.

  Madeline’s wealthy parents left the bulk of the family fortune to her brother, Vance, thinking that he could reasonably manage all that they had. She resided with her brother, who owned the estate, as she was unable to find a suitable lover. Before she realized it, Vance had gambled away the fortune in card games. She learned this far too late, however. Her brother’s compulsive gambling led him to make dangerous friends and become indebted to dangerous creditors. In one high risk game, Vance gambled away her intimacy for money – actually, the loser of the card game had to lie carnally with the hideous woman – and Madeline was assaulted in her sleep at the age of twenty-six (26), becoming impregnated. After she delivered a baby boy, he was murdered by his destitute father, who refused to do honest work to pay to support the child or her. Madeline wept bitterly over her son whom she barely knew and placed him in the garden with a proper burial and headstone. Her brother fled soon after the card game, leaving Madeline to discover the financial ruin he ha
d brought.

  Up until the point of her child’s murder, Madeline had been a drinker of the Dead Waters, not knowing which ocean water was the best choice. As the only remaining family asset was the estate – including the manor upon it – and it was on this island surrounded by the dark waters of the Ikkith Tar ocean, she realized that she would have her greatest advantage by learning to manipulate light. Thus, at the age of twenty-seven (27), she decided to drink the waters of the Lujladia Ocean, and that became her waterbinding. She hid her deformity with the powers of illusion she was thereby granted, and she hid the magnitude of her powers, pretending to be a financier.

  After the burial of her latest victims – Theodore and Gretchen – Madeline and her servants returned to her manor.

  Madeline went alone into her master bedroom and closed the door for privacy. When alone, she eased her powers of light, ending the illusion of beauty. She looked into a mirror and saw the unfeminine horror that she still was. She cried bitterly, both for herself and for the baby boy she never got to know.

  CHAPTER 5: Island of the Greater Thief

  Another murderous thief also occupied Udovedaj-Pren Island, at least for the time being. An unfortunate few would suffer under his particular methods of larceny and homicide, and his heart was not burdened by sorrows of any kind.

  ~~~

  Waderav was a vast, southern continent that met the Ursegan Ocean on its western coast, the Gradaken Ocean on its eastern coast and the Nabavodel Ocean on its northern coast. The Uplifter’s Trail land bridge extended north from the northeastern corner of Waderav, connecting with the southeastern corner of the continent of Volaraden, and it separated the Nabavodel Ocean from the Gradaken Ocean. The Bazavadoran Isthmus land bridge curved in a northwesterly direction, extending from the northwestern corner of Waderav to the middle of the southern coast of the Colossal March Warpath land bridge. The Bazavadoran Isthmus separated the Ursegan Ocean from the Nabavodel Ocean. Waderav had an abundance of low value resources, and consisted mostly of farmland that was worked by peasants and dominated by robber barons.