by B. W. Catt
Raqee began to buzz around, panicking. Where did he go? Did he mess up?! Will I remain like this now for the rest of my days?! Wait! How long will I live? Will I die quickly like most bugs?!
“Raqee, I am still here. I am invisible. Now fly upstairs to where Mathious went. I will meet you there. Don’t wander from that spot. If you do, I won’t change you back. I have no time to look for a lost bug.” Woldiniar cracked his knuckles. Anything you have, Nalenero, I will destroy. Starting with these guards.
Fourteen
“Here is your room, miss. Is there anything you acquire before I leave?” The maid asked while standing in the doorway.
Sebial glanced back at her. “Where is the bath? I would love to wash up before bed.”
“It is down the hall. I will show you the way if you like, miss?”
“That is ok. I can figure it out on my own.”
“Understood, miss. Just make sure to go into the eighth door on your left. The one across is the men’s.”
Sebial smiled.
“I shall take my leave, miss. Goodnight.”
“Good night.”
The maid shut the door.
Sebial let out a long sigh. She walked over to the window. She ran her hand along the curtain before pushing it out of the way. She looked out at the city below, a few lanterns dimly lit the streets.
I wonder how long we will have to stay here. I would rather sleep down there among the people. This is all too much, even the curtains.
She ran her hand along the trim.
It is gold. This isn’t the life I want. How will I be able to return to Pasuria and claim the throne? I cannot live in a castle.
Sebial sighed and walked over to the bed. A gown gently layout on it, she picked it up. Her hand slowly brushed across the light pink gown.
I do miss this—soft gowns made from the finest silk.
She rubbed it across her face and smiled.
I guess I will wash up. Sebial let out a long yawn. This has been too long of a day. Maybe I shouldn’t and just get some sleep. She sighed.
Sebial opened the door with her gown in hand and headed down the hall. She opened the door and walked in.
It smells incredible in here and the steam coming off the bath is mesmerizing.
Sebial sat her gown down on a marble stool and undressed. Looking around, she spotted an empty bucket sitting on the side of the bath. She placed the bucket in the bath to draw water. Pulling it from the bath, she dumped it over her head. She set the bucket down and slowly entered the steaming bath.
She leaned back against the wall and relaxed as the fragrance calmed her.
I guess there are a few things I miss from my life as a princess. I could lay here all day.
Tears began to stream down her face. But I would never be the princess my people would expect. Too much has happened. I am not that little girl anymore. I have since been trained to be a warrior. I can never be soft with a man beside me telling me how he will rule, and I will smile.
She looked at the ceiling. Her eyes were red from crying.
It is better I fix my kingdom and hand it to someone worthy of ruling. She smiled to herself.
I could see Elin ruling beside me like equals. But no one would listen to an elf. It would never be accepted. Besides, his fate and my own will not remain. There will come a time when this must end.
Sebial grabbed her chest. Tears began to stream again.
I do not wish for it to end. I enjoy him. He is perfect. I wish we could have met in a different life. One where I was free and normal. But would he still want me then? If I wasn’t powerful?
Sebial scooped water into her hands and watched as it slowly drained away, revealing empty palms. She let out a short sigh.
Yes, as empty as my hands are now, that is how my life must remain. I cannot fall in love. There will be no peace for me. I must end this curse even if I become an empty shell.
Sebial jumped. She looked towards a pillar on the other side of the room.
“Who is there?” Sebial called out as she slowly stood. Her eyes fixed on the corner. She grabbed the towel and wrapped it around herself as she approached the pillar. “Show yourself. This is your last warning.”
Sebial’s eyes began to glow as her magic rose to the surface. A burst of blue flames shot from her hand, quickly going behind the pillar. The flame returned to her hand.
Nothing there? How could that be?
Sebial walked behind the pillar. No one stood there. She rubbed a hand over her face.
I must be paranoid. But yet I know there was a dark figure standing there.
Sebial shook her head. She walked over to her belongings and quickly got dressed.
Time for sleep. Maybe that will ease this edge I constantly feel. This isn’t the first time I have felt a presence watching me. I wish I knew what it was. Woldiniar needs to return. Maybe he can give me answers?
Fifteen
“Denias, have you had any luck with the curse?” Elin spoke softly as they walked down the hall.
Denias sighed. “This curse. Once it is undone, I fear time will catch up to these people, and they will perish. I believe it will be best to let them decide the fate they wish to have. I know I can lift the curse to where they can travel, but they will never age.”
“I see. Could Woldiniar make an aging potion to slowly age them?”
Denias shook his head. “I fear it is too complicated. Nalenero is a master at this. Woldiniar never dabbled in these things since they were inhumane.”
Elin sighed. “It is unfortunate.” He looked down the hall in time to see a figure quickly pass by. “Denias, did you see that?”
“I didn’t. It is probably a maid. We shouldn’t bother.”
“A maid at this hour? Whose room is that way?”
Denias tapped his finger on his chin. “I believe that is the guest's quarters.”
“Why are we not there then?”
“Oh, Woldiniar didn’t want you and Sebial to be in the same wing.”
“Of course not. But if that is the case, then Sebial is the only one there. There are no other guests here.”
“Elin, she will be fine. She probably called for her maid.”
“I will be back. You go ahead. I don’t believe Sebial would call for a maid at this hour. She seemed exhausted earlier.”
Denias sighed. “I will go with you. Just in case. I cannot allow you to be alone with her in her chamber.”
Elin laughed. His fears were overwhelming. He hurried down the corridor with Denias. They peeked around the corner. The figure opened a door and quickly walked in, the door quietly closing behind it.
“Let us go knock on the door.” Elin headed to the door. Denias yanked him back.
“Just wait a moment. We have no idea why they went in there. If they are in there too long, we will go.”
“At that point, they could have harmed her.” Elin broke free of Denias’ grip. “I am not waiting.” He rushed to the door and opened it.
The room was empty. “Denias, this is the right room. Where are they?” Elin frantically walked around the room. “They couldn’t of went through a window. Wait, Carthin mentioned there were hidden doors in the castle that Nalenero used. Maybe they took her through one. Denias, check the walls on that side. I will check this side.”
Elin yanked the portrait off the wall. He hit the wall, nothing. Denias tapped his hand along the wall while stomping on the floor. “Elin, check and see if that dresser has been moved recently.”
Elin walked over to the dresser. He knelt down and examined the floor. No signs of scraping. He moved it over anyway. The wall was perfectly sealed.
“What did they do to her?” Elin quickly thrashed things about the room while Denias continued to slowly check the walls and floors.
“Do not worry, Elin, we will find her.”
“Find who?” They jumped to see Sebial standing at the door.
“Sebial?!” Elin yelled out as he ran to her. “Where we
re you? How did you get away?”
“I should ask why you are in my room.” Her eyes turned blue. Elin stepped back. Denias smirked.
“Sebial, Elin, and I saw a figure come into your room. When we entered, neither of you were to be found. Where were you?”
“I was in the bath.” She sighed. “My room is trashed, and you said someone entered but didn’t leave?”
“Yes,” Denias looked down at the ground.
“Why were you both in this hall in the first place?”
“Why are you questioning us? Shouldn’t you worry about the person who snuck in here?” Elin approached her but stopped when he felt a chill emanating from her.
“Whoever it is, is gone. I will not sleep here, not because you both hallucinated someone was here but because you both ruined my room.” Sebial rolled her shoulders back and raised her chin. She winked at them. Denias smirked. “Now, take me to one of your rooms. I will sleep there, and in return, one of you will sleep on the floor tonight.”
Denias laughed. “I will allow Elin to do the honors of giving up his sleeping space since he is the one who trashed your room.”
“What? You came with me in fear I would be alone with her in her chambers, yet, you allow this?”
“Elin.” Denias approached. He whispered elven into Elin’s ear. “We do not know who is doing this. She is aware of her circumstance as well. Did you not see her wink at us as she spoke highly like a royal?”
Elin looked at Sebial and Denias. Their eyes filled with determination and anger. He cleared his throat. Speaking sternly as he smiled deviously. “I understand, Denias. It was I who overreacted. Sebial, forgive me. You may use my room.”
“Grab my things! I am beyond tired, and this has ruined my night.” Sebial stepped out of the room. She looked at the ground. Thank you both for being here. Let us hope we can catch whoever this.
They walked out of the room. “Shall we go Sebial? It is just down the hall a ways.” Elin held his arm out to her. She wrapped her arm around his.
“Yes.”
“Sebial,” Denias walked, upholding his cape in his hand. “wear this along the way. It will unsettle the men to see a woman brought to their wing.”
She nodded, allowing Denias to wrap the cape around her and cover her head. Elin glanced back, he noticed another dark figure. This time he seemed to be following them. He tightened his grip on Sebial’s arm. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with questions.
“I know you are exhausted, Sebial. Shall I carry you to make your journey quicker?” Elin spoke softly, despite the worry in his tone.
“Yes, my legs feel frail as it is very late.” She spoke obnoxiously.
Elin and Denias shared a quick glance as Elin picked up Sebial and began to hurry down the hall.
“Elin, you must walk slower for me. I am carrying her things. They must weigh more than our darling Sebial.”
Denias purposely slowed his pace. He watched as Sebial and Elin turned down the right hallway. He smirked. “Woe is me. I cannot possibly keep up while carrying all of her things. It must be filled with treasures beyond my understanding.”
Denias sat the items down on the ground. He carefully looked over his shoulder. The black shadow continued to approach. This is not human. Denias grit his teeth. He reached into his pocket pulling out a vile of white liquid. This wasn’t meant for you. Yet, how else am I going to fight a cursed shadow?
He popped the cork on the vial and tossed it at the figure. It hit the ground, shattering. The white substance began to glow and wrap around the shadow. Denias drew his knife and approached the disoriented creature covered in glistening white vines. It snarled as he approached. His eyes widened as he gazed upon the figure beneath the black smoke.
Why would an elf be here? What are they doing within the castle?! Are they experimenting on more than just a curse over the kingdom's people?
His hands shook.
“I am sorry, this must be done.” Denias placed the tip of the blade to its neck, piercing its throat. The creature let out a cry as blood filled its mouth. Denias stood there watching as it died. Tears streamed down his face. He looked at the blade, blood slowly dripping off of it. He wiped put the blade away. The smoke around the body disappeared. Denias shook as he stared at the body lying before him.
Sanu? How? You are dead. No, you survived. I killed you!
Tears streamed down his face. “Forgive me,” Denias spoke to the body on the ground. He grabbed Sebial’s things and quickly went down the hall to them.
Sixteen
Walking down a long hallway, Woldiniar stopped to listen to the people talking in the room behind him. He walked over and pressed his ear against the large black wooden door.
Chanting? I need to see what they are doing in there.
Woldiniar looked around for Raqee. He reached out and grabbed him as he flew near. Raqee squirmed in Woldiniar’s hands. He whispered. “Raqee, go through the crack under the door. I need to know what they are doing.”
He opened his hands. Raqee flew underneath the door.
What is all this?!
Raqee flew closer to the group in the room. Five of them wore black capes. On the other side of the room, there stood the black figures they saw earlier. Raqee watched as the hooded figures continued to chant. Their right hands extended forward, holding glowing blue stones. He looked to the center of the group. A woman sat on the floor bounded in silver chains. Each chain anchored to a purple stone embedded within the floor.
Are they planning on killing her?!
Raqee looked around more. The black figures slowly moved towards the center as they chanted. Their bodies shrinking as they approached the woman. He jumped when the door on the left side of the room opened swung open, hitting the wall. A man wearing a red cape stood at its entrance. In his hand was a tube filled with glowing green liquid. Raqee flew towards the room the man came from. He paused just before entering.
What. What am I looking at?!
He quickly flew away when his eyes saw what was within. He hurried back under the door to Woldiniar.
Woldiniar grabbed him. “What did you see?”
Raqee began to buzz frantically. Woldiniar sighed. “I do not speak bug. Hold on. I will make it to where I understand you.”
Woldiniar closed his hands around Raqee.
“Let unknown tongue be known.” His hands flashed a bright green. He released Raqee. “Now tell me.”
Raqee began to panicky explain. “They have a woman chained. There are over eight of them in there. Only five are chanting, they seem to grow smaller as they near the woman. One seems to be the leader. He walked in with a tube of some strange glowing substance. There are a few of those shadow creatures. But that isn’t what bothers me, Woldiniar. The man in the red came from another room. I went in there. It is filled with different races in giant tubes of liquid. They all look to be dead. There is a table in there covered in parts of both animals and other races. What should we do?!”
“Hush, no need to panic. Was there any magic being used?”
“The ones in black were holding blue stones.”
“Was there anything on the ground? Any writings or shapes?”
“I did not look. But the woman is being held with silver chains, and they are connected to purple stones that are on the floor.”
Woldiniar held his breath. “It seems we may have more trouble than we wanted. Thank you. Go and find my travel companions. Lead them here but warn them of the dangers.”
“What about you? What are you going to do?”
Woldiniar smiled. “I am going to wait for them to return. Now go, or I will never return you back to your human form.”
Raqee quickly flew down the hall.
Foolish little bug. I will wait for a little while. But this cannot wait for long. I do not know the use for that woman. Since she is tied to purple ore, it means they wish to strengthen and control her. Who is she, though?
Woldiniar stood there thinking about wha
t was happening inside the room. He paced back in forth in the hall.
“Mathious, they have begun the ceremony!” a nervous man called out from another hall.
Woldiniar rushed over to see two men talking in a stairwell. Both of them wearing black hoods. Do those stairs lead up into the castle? One of them yelled Mathious. I knew that man couldn’t be trusted.
Woldiniar walked closer.
“Do not let them continue the ceremony, Halis.” The man with his back to Woldiniar spoke.
“I cannot stop them. They would kill me if I tried.” Halis spoke with a shaky voice.
That is the one I heard call out to Mathious. Is that Mathious I cannot see?
“I do not care. You need to stall them somehow. I am not ready yet. If we do not do this right, I will be without needed power. That impatient man just had to start earlier than I had planned. I should have known this would happen.”
“I, I will do my best. I will most likely die trying. You know how he gets when someone stops him from what he wants.” Halis bowed to the other man before running past him.
Woldiniar stepped out of the way so the man wouldn’t run into him. He watched as the man turned the corner and headed towards the room with the woman in it. He looked back to the guy at the stairs, but he was gone.
How could he leave so quickly? Was that truly Mathious? I need to inform Denias. He is closer to the king and Mathious. Him and the king will need to stop Mathious. It seems he is with Nalenero.
He walked towards the room filled with chanting. He could hear Halis pleading with someone inside.
“Listen, you agreed to wait. You cannot do this yet! It is not even a crescent moon. It might fail!”
“Nonsense, Halis,” a deep-voiced man yelled. “The books he left say the moon is only important if you lack purple ore! I will continue this! Either you accept my wishes, or you will be used for my next experiment. What shall you choose?”
“I—I choose to accept. I will take my leave.”