Haunt & Havoc

by Jeremy Dwyer

  “You mean Lunete of Bazavador?” Ulrich asked.

  “Yes. She’s five hundred sixty-seven (567) years old. The Ursegan waters, of course, give her that,” the younger woman said.

  “You are?” Ulrich asked.

  “Ellenor,” the younger woman said. She was thirty-three (33) but looked even a few years younger, because of her meticulous attention to her own appearance.

  “You are?” Ellenor then asked.

  “Ulrich,” he said.

  “She is still marrying men and killing them. I don’t think she has ever had a living lover – and doesn’t want one. She even prefers the taste of the Dead Waters, even though she has to drink Ursegan to keep her youth,” Ellenor said. Her voice was richly musical – most especially when she voiced the words ‘killing’ and ‘dead’ – and Ulrich noticed this.

  “You drink Pirovalen? I can hear it in your speech: some words seem to resonate,” Ulrich said.

  “Yes. Which words? If not all of them, then perhaps I need a fresh drink,” Ellenor said, taking the vial she carried on a chain around her neck and preparing to drink anew of its waters.

  “The words that best describe the morbidity of the story. Have you ever met her?” Ulrich asked.

  “Yes. She is very attractive, but I don’t see why any man would bother. Once they’re dead, what’s there to enjoy? I even asked her,” Ellenor said.

  “You actually asked her that?” Ulrich asked.

  “Yes. And her response surprised even me,” Ellenor said.

  Ulrich was horrified by the story at the same time that he was fascinated, so he was curious to know.

  “What was her response?” Ulrich asked.

  “She tried to kill me,” Ellenor said.

  “That doesn’t surprise me at all, considering what she does all the time,” Ulrich said.

  “It was just a question – hardly a reason to kill me. I was curious,” Ellenor said.

  “How did you elude her?” Ulrich asked.

  “I hit a high note – a very high note. Her ears were stinging for days,” Ellenor said.

  At this, she drank anew of the Pirovalen waters from the vial she held. She was energized with the powers of song, and was ready to perform for her associates, when she met with them.

  “Of all the waters, why not drink of these?” Ulrich asked, after verifying that no one was watching them directly. He found the young woman interesting – bold even, given her fascination with death – and thought that maybe, just maybe, she shared an interest, and an acquaintance. He did not delight in death, but it had relevance to his current research.

  “All oceans are living, even the deadest of seas,” Ellenor said, holding up her hand to reveal the inside of her long sleeve, wherein was embroidered a symbol depicting thirteen (13) droplets of water and the number three hundred two trillion eight hundred seventy-five billion one hundred six million five hundred ninety-two thousand two hundred fifty-three (302875106592253).

  Seeing this, Ulrich opened a book that he carried and turned it to a page to reveal the proper response. It was another symbol consisting of twelve (12) droplets of water and the number eight trillion nine hundred sixteen billion one hundred million four hundred forty-eight thousand two hundred fifty-six (8916100448256).

  “Yours is the greater, because it is complete,” Ulrich said.

  “Yours is the lesser, and will end in defeat,” Ellenor said.

  “Then we ought to continue together,” Ulrich said.

  “Under what waterbinding are you?” Ellenor asked.

  “The ‘diamond waters’,” Ulrich said, referring to the common name for the Kazofen Ocean waters.

  “Our associates await, then,” Ellenor said.

  Ulrich and Ellenor made their way to another ship, looking for transport to the nearby Athekriptole Island. For this, they paid only two (2) platinum coins each – rather than the usual one (1) coin – and their journey was five (5) hours, rather than the usual two (2) hours, owing to the difficulty of navigating in the darkness.

  ~~~

  Claramond was a healthy, rugged and perceptive forty-one (41) year old woman, and the Lujladia Ocean waters she drank gave her far sight such that she served well as a lookout. The fear was that, eventually, the water-worshippers would return to Athekriptole Island and take possession of it by force. She saw the approach of another ship, and saw a man and a younger woman come ashore, followed by the departure of the ship, thus leaving the two (2) new arrivals behind.

  “Dietrich, we have two (2) new arrivals. I recognize them both. One is the crystal bender, Ulrich. The other is the singer, Ellenor,” Claramond said.

  Dietrich was a man who lived – and loved – to calculate and reason. He drank the waters of the Medathero Ocean, which made calm rational thought his ever-present servant. At fifty-seven (57) years of age, his health was fine, if not robust, but he did not depend on strength or stamina to confront his challenges. He chose this island precisely because of its strange currents, owing to its unusual coastline. Dietrich had years ago analyzed the contours of the island – with the visual assistance of Claramond’s far sight – and determined that it was a thorough and natural means of mixing the waters without the use of machines that run on sun or steam or springs or other mechanisms. He was not adverse to leveraging machines, but the coastline could not be easily broken, and did not need to be maintained. The violent water currents were a machine unto themselves, albeit a naturally occurring one.

  The Dead Waters were the subject of greatest interest to Dietrich, and the entire Society of the Dead Waters was formed hundreds of millennia ago precisely for its study. Dietrich was only its most recent director, and had been for twenty-three (23) years. For the last thirty-four (34) years – including all of his tenure as director and the eleven (11) years prior – he had been responsible for traveling the world and carefully selecting members suitable to join. They were given the secret numbers and phrases to identify each other, although these secrets were occasionally changed to root out infiltrators.

  “We can begin when they join with us, then,” Dietrich said. There were twenty-eight (28) others in attendance next to Dietrich and Claramond. Together, they represented the twelve (12) so-called ‘living waters’ at least twice each. They all identified themselves by wearing garments of white and blue slanted stripes.

  Ulrich and Ellenor approached Dietrich and Claramond and were given the proper attire for the ceremony ahead.

  The group of thirty-two (32) people gathered at the center of an architectural arrangement, which consisted of thirteen (13) stone circular ponds, each thirteen (13) feet across, two (2) feet high and one (1) foot thick.

  Dietrich spoke up and said: “We now prepare to commit ourselves to the study of...”

  “Silence! We have intruders!” Claramond said. She saw in the distance a woman and two (2) men, and they were not ones she recognized. Dietrich was diligent in his accounting to her of those he invited into the Society, and personally introduced them, so that she had met them all before. This new trio was entirely unknown to her. “It’s two (2) men and a woman, approaching from the northwest,” Claramond then said.

  “Prepare to deter, eliminate – or repurpose – these intruders,” Dietrich said.

  Ellenor readied herself to voice a high note, directed toward the new arrivals, so as to pierce their ears and render them vulnerable to attack by the other members of the society.

  Claramond prepared to shine a blinding flash of light at the intruders, but watched their motions to see what they might be doing.

  Ulrich kept an exceptionally sharp knife – one made of diamond which he used his powers to curve into an effective shape for ripping when pulled out of the victim. He had used it only in defense – and rarely – but he was prepared to do so now.

  Other members of the Society of the Dead Waters likewise prepared themselves. Some had control of venomous snakes, others had the powers of darkness which they used for stealth, and others had the
powers of strength and speed. Yet, first strike was not considered appropriate. There could be another use for the intruders, if they proved to be a problem, and all members of the Society knew this.

  CHAPTER 5: Intrusion upon the Society of the Dead Waters

  The terrain of Athekriptole Island was varied, and significant parts were forested. A dirt road, extending from the northwestern corner, meandered through the woods. Three (3) new arrivals – one (1) woman and two (2) men – walked that road toward the interior of the island in their search for another of their ilk.

  Seleukos was a drinker of the waters of the Lujladia Ocean, giving him far sight and the ability to peer into the darkness. He knew that they were being watched from a distance, as he could see the watcher. He also knew that there were agents in the darkness, poised defensively. At thirty-nine (39) years of age he had little fear, but much lust, all directed at the woman next to him, who was his frequent lover.

  Erikkos was a drinker of the waters of the Pirovalen Ocean. He was a master of music, and could use it in a great many ways, including entertainment, manipulation of many natural elements, and even enchantment and seduction. He was still young at twenty-nine (29) years old, and his desire burned to have yet more intimate relations with the woman beside him – the same one Seleukos often took as a lover.

  Amaltheia was a drinker of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean, enabling her to manipulate crystals. Yet, she used her natural beauty – unenhanced by any water, as only the Trerada waters augmented beauty without deception – to bend and manipulate men to get her way. She had womanly desires, and was the lover of both Erikkos and Seleukos. She was already pregnant, but was not sure which of them was the father. She liked it that way, because solving a sordid mystery was actually a thrill to her, although not quite as intensely enjoyable as the actual coupling process. At thirty-six (36) years old, she had the pleasure of capturing both the older Seleukos and the younger Erikkos, and both had their charms when she had them in her grip.

  “I can see that we’re being watched,” Seleukos said

  “Then let them watch this!” Amaltheia said, and she kissed him with passion that ignited his desire.

  Erikkos kissed Amaltheia’s neck at the same time, not wanting to be left out of the pleasure, or to miss an opportunity.

  Seleukos smiled and said: “We might want to be attentive, and continue this later. There are several people ahead – thirty-two (32) dressed in ceremonial garb, and another thirty-five (35) nearby.”

  “How many men? I can take them – all of them,” Amaltheia said.

  “First, we must explore the world around us,” Seleukos said.

  Erikkos was still kissing Amaltheia’s neck and then she turned around and began to deeply kiss him, and he was burning for her.

  “There’s another world I want to explore,” Amaltheia said.

  “Explore me,” Erikkos said.

  “We cannot lose sight of the Quiet Sea, wherein knowledge of greater things awaits, along with even greater pleasures, and secrets of the waters,” Seleukos said.

  “What greater pleasure?” Amaltheia asked, preparing to take Erikkos and have her way with him there, in the wooded area along the path through the island. She could barely imagine a greater pleasure than taking the younger man again.

  “Life and health everlasting, that your pleasures not be ended by death, or age or infirmity. I lack no desire for you, Amaltheia, as you have experienced many times. Yet, we are limited by our knowledge,” Seleukos said.

  ~~~

  From a distance of more than a mile, Claramond peered around the trees and along the trail through the island’s forested northern region. She watched the intruders approach and said: “It’s young lovers in a tryst. They’ve come to this island to fulfill their desires. They’ll soon be here.”

  “Distract them, that they may find another place for their love play,” Dietrich said.

  ~~~

  “You’re right. I wouldn’t want him to stop pleasing me,” Amaltheia said to both Seleukos and Erikkos while she caressed and kissed Erikkos.

  “We will indulge in our personal matters later. Now, however, we must proceed,” Seleukos said.

  The trio of Seleukos, Amaltheia and Erikkos walked briskly along the unpaved road through the wooded area of the island and approached a clearing.

  ~~~

  “They’re approaching quickly, Dietrich,” Claramond said.

  “If there are only three (3) of them, let them state their purpose. We will contend with them if they displease us or prove dangerous,” Dietrich said.

  ~~~

  Agents hiding in the darkness grabbed hold of Amaltheia, Seleukos and Erikkos and pushed them forward.

  “I can’t see you, so you can just do to me whatever you want, and see how it feels. But be careful, you just might not want to stop, and I just might not let you go,” Amaltheia said.

  “You don’t stop, do you?” Seleukos said. He wasn’t concerned because, whoever was hiding in the darkness could have killed them already, but chose not to do so. Instead, he expected to be questioned.

  Within a few minutes, Amaltheia, Seleukos and Erikkos found themselves facing an older man.

  “Please tell me who you are,” Dietrich said.

  “I am Seleukos, seeker of knowledge,” he said.

  “I am Erikkos, seeker of knowledge,” he said.

  “I am Amaltheia, seeker of knowledge, and other delightful things,” she said.

  “You were careless in your approach. Your obvious carnal relations have made your minds weak, and your eyes distracted. You chose an unfortunate location to carry out your intimate games. I could have you killed, or do worse things, for interrupting our own true search for knowledge,” Dietrich said.

  “We come to observe, and to learn. Perhaps even to render assistance,” Seleukos said.

  “We do not welcome all – your intrusion into our private matters is unwarranted, and your assistance is unneeded,” Dietrich said.

  “Your presence on this island is unwelcome. There are some who would have you killed merely for being here,” Seleukos said.

  “This island belongs to the water worshippers, and they will jealously guard it,” Erikkos said. He was beginning to forget the near consummation of his desire for Amaltheia. Survival – and rationality – overruled, for the moment.

  “They are not here. This island in uninhabited,” Claramond said.

  “They are likely nearby. I can call out to them to show you,” Erikkos said, and drank anew of the Pirovalen Ocean waters. He then called out in a singing voice that carried far.

  “Enough! Silence! You obviously have power, and know how to use it. We will accept you in peace if you do not disturb us or bring unneeded attention,” Dietrich said.

  “Please proceed. Our curiosity is piqued,” Seleukos said.

  “Yes. I like what I see, and I’m curious for more,” Amaltheia said.

  “I don’t like what I see in you. You are obviously with child, yet you have no restraint in your relations with both men, only one (1) of whom could be the father, unless it is someone else altogether. Yours is a dangerous path, giving rise to divided loyalties, which lead to ruin,” Dietrich said.

  “Don’t judge me…until you’ve had a taste of what I offer. Most visitors are welcome,” Amaltheia said as her eyes scanned the older man.

  “I know what ruin is, and unrestrained desire leads there quickly,” Dietrich said.

  “Everyone has desire. Resisting is what wrecks a man, giving a joyless life. Explore what you like, and discover the hidden paradise,” Amaltheia said.

  “No. Desire is not the problem. A woman should have it and fulfill it. But having more than one (1) lover is a great risk: soon, they will turn against each other,” Claramond said.

  “Explorers should be fearless, or the traps will keep you from the treasure,” Amaltheia said.

  “You think yourself a treasure, but you have been cursed. You just don’t know it yet. Soon
, no men will want you, for fear that these two (2) will kill them in jealousy,” Claramond said.

  “You don’t know us. We seek knowledge, not possession. We have no jealousy, only curiosity. Knowledge can be shared, as can love,” Seleukos said.

  “Youth is better spent in search of knowledge and love than in war,” Erikkos said.

  “I’ve never had two (2) men love me at the same time. That does sound exciting,” Ellenor said. She had been watching this exchange and was aroused. The negativity and prudishness of Claramond and Dietrich bothered her, and she didn’t want to miss out on the pleasures of youth while she had it.

  “You are missing out, girl. We should all play together some time. Who knows what could happen,” Amaltheia said.

  Ulrich found all of this to be wasteful of time and energy. Dietrich was too caught up in judgment – right or wrong – and was not leading. Ellenor was being seduced by the talk of carnal affairs, which could distract her from her work. Claramond was actually right to be afraid of where it could lead, however. “We cannot take time to debate or judge your way of life at the expense of living our own. You will have to live with its benefits and costs, of course. Now, however it is time for us to begin, is it not?” Ulrich asked.

  “Indeed. Observe and learn. Bring out the initiates,” Dietrich said. Time was not on his side, as the ceremony – a calculated process, actually – had to be done correctly and with focus, before they were discovered on the island. The warning about the water-worshippers was valid, which is why Claramond was there with her powers of far sight from the waters of light, as well as others who had powers from the other oceans.

  From a nearby wooded area, a group thirty-five (35) young persons approached. They had been waiting for the call, and came forward. Each had been paid for their time and the cost of their travels had been covered.

  “We shall do an affinity test, as you are all un-waterbound,” Dietrich said. At this, he smeared a small amount of the Kazofen waters on the necks of the initiates.

  “The small amount of water will be absorbed into your body, but not form a waterbinding. Instead, you will be able to measure your affinity to that particular water,” Dietrich said.