by Logan Jacobs
Then, suddenly, a giant red-and-orange fish with a gaping mouth and rows of dagger-sharp teeth sprung from the water, and it went straight for Revna’s throat.
Without a moment of hesitation, I aimed my wand at the creature and shouted. “Dissulto!”
A bright light hit the fish right in its gut, and its entire body violently shook before it was sliced in half. Gore and blood splattered all over Revna, and she brushed a chunk of dead flesh away from the corner of her mouth with a trembling hand and then used her fingers to comb bits and pieces from her long, dark-blonde hair.
“Thanks,” she chuckled before she reached down and grabbed the two bits of fish from the river. “These nasty guys are known as pisces dentes, and they have a tendency to bite your face clean off if they get the chance.”
“Lovely,” Akira said in a sarcastic voice.
“Can we eat them?” Marina asked as she licked her lips.
“Sure,” the wild Wicca said with a bright smile. “Let’s make a fire and cook them up. We can eat them with the bread I have and some cheese.”
“I’ll set up camp,” Vanessa said while Revna began to gut the fish. “The rest of you, make yourselves useful and gather up any wood you can find. We need to start a fire before the sun sets.”
“Yes, Professor,” we replied in unison before we searched for broken branches and dead leaves.
Alexander flew by my side as I picked up whatever fallen wood I could find, and he helped me out by scraping together any fallen leaves and other bits of dry wood he could snatch up with his long claws.
How much farther do you think we’ll have to travel until we come across the second artifact, Cole? Alex asked in my head. I’m starting to loathe this fucking cold.
“I think you’d better get used to it,” I snickered. “We still have quite a ways to go… I caught a brief glance of that map Sigrid gave to Vanessa, so I wouldn’t hold my breath.”
Well, fuck, Alexander pouted. It’s all thanks to that cunt, Samara. I can’t wait until we kill her.
Normally, I would have agreed with my familiar right on the spot, but as we searched for wood, I found myself speechless and unable to meet his eyes.
Cole, why are you so quiet? We’re going to kill her, right?
“I… I’m not so sure anymore, Alex,” I said, and I glanced around to make sure no one was in earshot.
What? he shrieked in my head. What the hell do you mean you’re not sure?
“Calm down,” I hissed. “I just… I just don’t think she’s as far gone as we think she is.”
Please explain, he said in a sour tone, because I’m totally lost.
“I felt something,” I started to say, but it was challenging to get the words out. “When I saw her during my vision… there was something in her eyes. I felt it.”
What did you feel? my familiar asked in a gentler voice.
“I could feel her desire for… I don’t know,” I sighed. “I experienced her emotions as if they were my own. I think deep down, she longs to return to her roots, and I could be the one to help bring her back to Satan.”
That’s a heavy burden to bear, Alexander sighed in my head. Are you going to tell the others? They might not react well.
“I’m not worried about my coven,” I said before I reached down to collect another branch of wood. “I’m their master, and they would follow me to the ends of the worlds if I commanded it.”
You’re just worried about Vanessa, Alexander said in a grave tone. Aren’t you?
“I am,” I replied with a long, drawn-out sigh. “She’s stubborn as a mule, and it will take some convincing, but I’m sure I can make her see reason. Having a woman as powerful as Samara turn back to our side would be one hell of an advantage.”
I don’t disagree, Alexander mused. I mean, you’ve already persuaded me--
“Cole!” Vanessa’s shrill voice cut through the air like a knife. “How long does it take to collect firewood, for hell’s sake? Get back here!”
Yeah, good luck dealing with that bitch, Alex snorted before we both headed back to join the others. You’re going to need it.
By the time we reached the side of the river surrounded by trees, Vanessa had managed to set up three tents spaced all around the water. Revna finished gutting the fish, and each of my women turned to flash me a small smile, but the professor was red in the face with strands of dark hair stuck to her slick forehead.
“Finally,” she snapped before she dumped her contents into a small pile. “Now, everyone, hurry and add the wood. I want to make a fire before it’s dark.”
We did as we were told, and when Vanessa was satisfied with the wood, she pulled out her wand, crouched down, and aimed at the small pyre.
“Illuminana!”
A tiny fireball erupted from the tip of her wand and set the wood on fire, and Revna wasted no time before she started to roast the fish on a stick just above the flames.
“You can reach into my bag and hand out the dried fruit, bread, and cheese,” she said, and after Morgana reached inside, the brunette passed the food along the small circle we sat in.
We all ate silently, and we were sure to feed our familiars as well. By the time we finished our dinner, Vanessa abruptly stood up, dusted her skirts, and flashed us all a hard look.
“I’ll be going to bed now,” she growled. “I made one tent large enough for the coven to sleep in since no matter how many times I’ve asked, you don’t seem to want to sleep in separate quarters. I would appreciate it if you kept silent tonight, though. Who knows what dangers could emerge at any moment. Also, I slept poorly last night, so I’d appreciate it if, for once, I could sleep undisturbed.”
“Sure,” I said with a small smile. “We’ll behave tonight, I promise.”
“Err, well… good,” she said as if she didn’t expect that kind of response from me. “I’ve asked Isobel to make sure each familiar takes a turn to keep watch tonight, so do not worry about that for now. Everyone have a good and quiet night.”
“Goodnight,” we answered as the professor slipped into her tent, and Isobel settled down at the entrance to keep guard outside.
“I’m exhausted as well,” Revna yawned before she stretched out. “Night, everyone.”
We bade the wild woman goodnight, and when she disappeared from view, we quietly put out the fire and stumbled inside our own tent. I knew the women were so exhausted because no one said a word as we laid on the furs and silks and then fell into a deep sleep.
But my slumber was not a dreamless one.
As soon as I closed my eyes, I found myself standing in the middle of a classroom. It was not one I recognized, though, and when I turned frantically around to look in every corner, I thought I could see someone sitting alone at a desk in the front of the room.
Do you see her? the woman from my dreams asked, but when I turned around, I couldn’t see her anywhere.
It was just this one student and me.
“Yes, I see her,” I said in a low voice. “Is that…?”
Samara, the woman finished for me. Yes, it is her.
“Why did you bring me here?” I asked.
She would hate for you to see this, but it’s a memory of hers, the woman from the painting echoed. She was a model student… as bright as Morgana and as quick-witted as Akira. In fact, she possesses a few of each woman’s gifts… and that’s what made her such a remarkable witch.
“Why are you showing me this?” I asked as I took a step closer, and when I reached the student, I saw a younger version of Samara scribbling away on a piece of parchment with her brow furrowed in deep concentration.
Because I agree with you, Cole, the woman from my dreams said, and so does Theodora. You need to sway Samara and turn her back into the Wicca she was born to be. Then you must add her to your coven. You cannot take no for an answer. I believe in you.
Before I could answer, Samara glanced up to look at me, and when she did, I was lost in those gorgeous blue-green eyes of hers. For a
moment, it felt like we were connected, but before I could reach out to brush a strand of silky hair out of her face, a small cry echoed in the back of my mind.
When I woke up, the women were panting and trembling and doing their best to rouse me from my deep sleep.
“Master,” Morgana said with wide, blue eyes. “There’s a pack of creatures outside… and I think they’re out for blood.”
When I adjusted my eyesight and turned to look around, I noticed great shadows just lurking and hovering outside our tent, like they were waiting for someone to step outside.
“Too bad for them they’re not the only bloodthirsty ones,” I growled as I pulled out my wand, jumped out of the tent, and prepared myself to take on whatever hellish creature was waiting for us.
Chapter 10
As soon as I stepped outside, I was taken aback by the number of unfamiliar creatures surrounding us. They were giant, towering beasts, and they appeared to be some form of elk or moose, but something told me they were far deadlier. There had to be at least a dozen of them, and each one looked as feral and suspicious as the last.
When I slowly glanced down, I noticed they were kicking up snow with their hooves, like they were ready to charge at us at any second. I could see Revna and Vanessa just behind the herd and not too many paces away, and both women’s faces were whitewashed as they grasped onto their wands. Everyone was prepared for the worst, and even the familiars were all in attack stances and waiting for the right moment to lunge forward and strike.
“Try to stay as still as possible,” Faye’s voice whispered from behind me. “Those are alces, and they’re capable of gutting you with their antlers in one swift plunge. Try not to look them in the eyes… unless you have to.”
“She’s right,” Revna said in the softest voice she could muster. “We need to think about our next move carefully.”
“So, what should we do?” I growled as the bulkiest of the herd eyed me from head to toe. “We can’t just stand here all day.”
“I think we should try to sway their minds,” Faye muttered. “Just like we did with the bears.”
“That’s not as easy as it sounds,” Revna warned with bright, alert eyes, and she nearly flinched as one of the beasts took a step closer toward her. “These beings long for blood.”
“If so, why haven’t they attacked us yet?” I questioned. “I think Faye is right. We should at least try and penetrate their consciousnesses.”
“Well, if we’re going to do something,” Vanessa grunted under her breath. “We’d better do it now before we get turned into their fucking breakfast.”
“Agreed,” Revna said before she took a small step forward, and I did the same.
“Everyone, make sure to clear your minds of all doubt,” I hissed. “Don’t let them smell any fear on you…”
“Or they will surely attack,” Faye finished. “We’ll be dead in seconds.”
I maintained eye contact with the largest beast in the herd as I took a step forward, and I could see mist emitting from its large snout as its eyes glowed an even brighter shade of red. It growled viciously under its breath and lowered its massive antlers in my direction as I drew closer and closer, but I didn’t dare falter. The beast was unwavering and determined to gut me, but I didn’t let its feral senses deter me from what I had to do.
I took a deep breath and another small step forward. I then raised my wand higher in the air, and the other women did the same. I knew the others were ready to bond with whatever animal they chose, and when I felt a giant wave of collective acknowledgment, I aimed my wand at the leader.
“Et erunt morietur!” we screamed at the same time.
Blasts of orange light all escaped from our wands and hit the massive creatures right in their hefty chests. I thought it would be a simple task once we enacted the spell, but soon, my entire body shuddered with pain like a thousand needles were prickling my skin all at once. My head felt as heavy as lead, and there was a tingling sensation in the back of my eyes as I attempted to keep my wand aimed steadily at the leader.
The beast before me also seemed to be in terrible pain as he locked eyes with me, and his entire body shook like it was about to explode into hundreds of bits of flesh. Whatever this creature was, it was headstrong and stubborn, and I knew it was refusing to obey my will.
But I wouldn’t give up. Not yet.
I gritted my teeth, and as the orange glow grew brighter, I knew I was finally beginning to push through its stubborn mind. I could feel my body weakening as I willed the beast to become mine, but soon, everything began to settle, and I realized we were winning. The other creatures who were not affected seemed to be dazed and confused, and from the corner of my eye, I watched as they slowly left the others who were under our spell.
Finally, the air settled as a cool wind swept across our faces, and the animals’ eyes turned from blood red to a deep shade of brown. At that moment, I knew we had overcome their will, and they now belonged to us.
“There,” I panted, and there was a sharp pain stabbing me in the chest. “Fucking hell, that hurt, but we did it.”
“And thank Satan we did,” Revna breathed as she rubbed her temples. “Not only did we just escape a painful death, but we also have quite a ways to climb, and perhaps with these creatures, it will be a little easier. Besides, these beasts are great hunters… and we’ll need to catch a few mares and skin them for their furs. I don’t think the bear hides will be easy on your backs once we near the inside of the mountain caves. There will be plenty of crouching and climbing to do, and you’ll feel as if your backs are breaking after several hours.”
“Then, with all due respect,” Akira muttered as she adjusted her own hide. “Why did your village insist on us carrying them?”
“It was all we had to offer,” Revna said in an unbothered tone. “I’m an expert hunter, so finding a pack of mares won’t be a problem, and now that we have the alces, it should be easier than newt pie.”
“We’ll see about that,” Vanessa sighed before she approached her newly bonded creature. “Come on, grab your familiars if you need to and climb on. We need to reach these caves you speak of before sunset.”
“Agreed,” I said as Alexander flew above me, and I climbed on top of my elk-like creature. “Lead the way, Revna.”
The wild woman nodded in my direction before climbing on top of her own animal, and we began to head up a narrow, snow-covered trail. We spent hours hiking up the mountain with our new furry companions, but the journey was easier now with our mounts. It was still cold as we gained altitude, but when the sun was at its highest point, Revna turned around to look at us with a furrowed brow and pursed lips.
“Pull out your weapons,” she demanded before she reached for her bow. “This is mare territory, and if we’re going to kill something, we’re going to do it without wands. It’s the wild Wicca way.”
“Sweet.” Akira grinned before she pulled out a small ax. “I can’t fucking wait.”
“Now, be sure to keep your eyes open,” Revna whispered as we headed toward another thicket of trees, but these woods were full of bright red leaves and white bark. “Mares are swift creatures, and their fur is the most precious of all. They will be light as a feather, but warmer than a bear’s hide.”
“What do mares even look like?” Marina asked. “I’ve never heard of them before.”
“They’re hybrids between giant rabbits and deer,” the wild Wicca explained, “and as I said, they’re fast, unpredictable, and cunning.”
“Are they dangerous?” Circe questioned as her forked tongue flickered out of her mouth like she was tasting the air. “Are they anything like the alces?”
“Only if they lead you to the edge of a cliff and you tumble to your death.” Revna shrugged. “Just keep your eyes peeled, and we should be fine.”
“Will do,” I said as I reached for the dagger by my side.
“Wait, take this instead,” Revna said before she pulled a spear from the inside of her f
urs. “I have a feeling you would wield this well.”
“How are you carrying so many weapons?” Morgana asked with a raised eyebrow. “I know we each bear one, but it seems like you’re holding an endless supply.”
“I’m just using a simple charm that makes carrying supplies easier,” the dark-blonde responded. “It’s an ancient wild spell, and perhaps I can show you it all later when the time comes--”
Suddenly, a rustling noise cut Revna off, and everyone went deadly quiet as we looked around. Revna gripped her weapon tightly as her eyes darted between the trees, and Isobel growled as we searched for the source.
Cole, Alexander said in my head. I think I see movement just ahead. Looks like the creature the wild woman was speaking of. It’s trying to hide from you. Right in between the trees.
“There’s a mare,” I said, and Revna turned to look at me with bright eyes. “Just beyond the thicket.”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Yes,” I answered. “Alex confirmed it.”
“Alright,” the wild Wicca said as she gripped even tighter on her weapon. “Everyone, follow my lead. If it runs off the trail, we must be cautious. As I’m sure you remembered, Sigrid said it would be unwise to stray from the path.”
“Understood,” Vanessa said, but before anyone else could utter another word, a slim but long creature with gleaming fur sprung from the thicket and bounded ahead of us as quick as a whip.
“It’s on the run!” I shouted, and I urged my beast to move forward and gallop with all its might. “Let’s go!”
I sped through the trees and followed the animal as near as I could. I was right behind its tail as I raised my arm in the air and aimed the spear right for its back, and then I threw my spear right in between its shoulder blades. The point of the weapon veered a little to the left and dug into the flesh of its shoulder instead, but it didn’t impale the creature as I’d wanted. Still, the creature cried out in agony, and it tried its best to keep limping onward.
But as blood dripped and poured from the opening and cast a ruby trail through the snow, I knew it was done for.