Not that they are the real reason I left, he thought. He had simply grown bored with the Spirit world and decided to focus his energies on something more interesting — mortals.
He was also tired of living in the darkness. Had it not been for him, the world of light wouldn't exist.
* * *
In the beginning there was only darkness. No one could truly comprehend how black the universes were — no stars, no suns, nothing. He never knew when he became fully conscious of his world. All he remembered was the loneliness. A loneliness so complete he ached for something, for someone, and so he toyed with the elements.
During one episode, he noticed a white flicker. Curious, he reached out to grab it and felt an immediate burning sensation in his palm. Instinctively, he tossed the fleck away, then watched it expand until the glow began eating away at his own world. He could do nothing to slow its growth, but in time, it subsided and eventually stopped. His world had shrunk to half the original size.
Then came Mari. For eternities, he lived alone in the darkness and suddenly he felt a presence from within the light — she was beautiful. Unfortunately, he dared not venture there. If the initial speck was any sign of its potential, he could be incinerated. Unfortunately for him she avoided the darkness.
Soon, others arrived in her world of light. It made his loneliness even greater. Through the eons, he grew more lonely and embittered. Still he preferred their distant company to the solitary existence from before, but he wanted more. He wanted to belong.
* * *
The arrival of mortals provided Intunecat an opportunity to interact with the Spirits of light. Because the mortal world was always half-covered in darkness he could travel amongst its inhabitants freely. Through them he was able to meet all of the Spirits and eventually developed a limited immunity to the light. He could spend short periods of time in the Spirit world without being burned by the light. The experience made him more determined to accomplish his goal even if it meant using humans to do it.
* * *
When Yemaya's ancestors began developing mental skills beyond the normal human level, Intunecat became intrigued. Generation after generation he followed their progress testing those who displayed exceptional abilities. Yemaya's power far exceeded any of those before her. She had the power to alter the thoughts and feelings of humans, although she rarely took advantage of it. Why, he never understood. Such power was a gift to be used, not ignored. His own abilities only worked with people who were extremely flawed mentally. The concept of evil escaped him. He had needs. Right or wrong was never an issue. Now Yemaya had someone who was capable of balancing the darkness within her. It didn't make him happy, especially since the spirits were also defying him because of her.
* * *
Intunecat had been so close to his goal when Yemaya touched the dead girl. She thought she had merged with the girl's spirit. Instead she was seeing and feeling his projections. A few more seconds and he would have gained entry into her subconscious. Then she would have been his. The human female and wolf's interference had severed the connection before he could plant his seed. Cursing, he slammed his fist into the darkness. Loud thunder rumbled through the skies from the impact.
You will have to go, Little One, he thought, watching the two mortals as they slept. Destroying Dakota wasn't something he wanted to do. He actually took no pleasure in killing. Death was a mortal issue. What lay beyond it he didn't know, but he understood human reasoning. Had he simply let the man satisfy his needs, the girl would have returned home to be comforted by her friends and family. The man would eventually be caught, labeled insane, and imprisoned. By instructing him to kill and mutilate her body, it brought Yemaya to the site. She would use her powers to replay the event as it unfolded.
That would provide him with the opportunity he needed to enter her mind. Her life mate's interference caught him unawares. She would have to go. It wouldn't be easy now that the spirits were involved. Intunecat never underestimated the powers of Spirits, especially Mari.
* * *
The day after the murder, Yemaya, Dakota, and Andrei met with Kenyon and several of the townspeople. The girl's body had been taken to her family.
"They fear the drac has returned," Kenyon said anxiously, glancing at several of his neighbors.
"I think it is something else, Kenyon," Yemaya warned, remembering her earlier conversation with Dakota. Over breakfast, Dakota described the dream and the warning about Intunecat, especially the information on the false merging. Yemaya was stunned that she had been fooled so easily. It was unsettling to think anything could get past her defenses. If not for Dakota and Regina — she didn't even want to think about the ramifications.
"What could it be? And how do we stop it, Ms. Lysanne?"
"You don't. The Carpi and I will handle it. You tell the villagers to stay inside at night. Never travel alone and keep an eye out for strangers. Let me know of anyone or anything unusual or suspicious. The wolves will patrol the forests and town perimeter until this is over."
The wolves and the townspeople had coexisted peacefully for over a millennium. Rarely did they come to the village. Kenyon knew it was a bad omen when the Lysannes sent the wolves.
CHAPTER 24
OVER BREAKFAST, the man listened to the gossip. The girl had been found and the villagers were frightened. The elders had met with Lysanne earlier and had instructed everyone to stay inside after nightfall.
"Shit," he muttered. "How am I going to find another girl?"
"When the time is right, I will give one to you," the voice answered. "I already have her picked out. You will like this one. She'll be a challenge, but you're up to it."
The man smiled, already anticipating his next fantasy.
"When?" he asked.
"Soon, very soon. Be patient."
Three days passed without incident. Some hoped the killer had moved on.
* * *
The man was getting impatient. Yemaya and Dakota could only wait for him to reappear. Andrei and the men spent continually searched the forests for any sign of the killer. The wolves caught a faint scent of something but nothing definable. Everyone was frustrated, knowing he was still out there waiting for his next victim.
"The child is being buried today," Yemaya reminded Dakota, more for something to say than anything else.
"I know. I promised her family I would visit them after the funeral. It'll keep me busy while you meet with the town elders," Dakota said.
"The service is at four, later than I would like, but there are friends and family coming from distant villages. Make sure you stay with them afterward until Andrei or I pick you up."
"Yes, Mom," Dakota teased.
Yemaya arched her brow and smirked. "I bet your mom never made you feel like I do."
"Good Lord I hope not." Dakota laughed. "What an awful thought."
Yemaya chuckled at the disgusted look on Dakota's face.
"Well, I guess we need to leave," Yemaya said.
* * *
Andrei was waiting by the drawbridge. Opening the door for Dakota, he tipped his hat and smiled.
"Evening Ms. Devereaux, Mistress."
"Hi, Andrei. Thanks," Dakota said.
"Thank you, Andrei," Yemaya added.
* * *
Thirty minutes later, Dakota was dropped off at the small church on the outskirts of town. Several hundred people had already arrived. Even though it was chilly, the ceremony was held outside to accommodate the huge congregation of mourners.
As Yemaya's companion, Dakota was offered a front row seat but chose to sit farther back. Yemaya had already sent her condolences.
The service lasted about an hour before the coffin was carried to the cemetery and lowered into the grave. Another small ceremony followed and then everyone dispersed, anxious to get home before the sun set.
Dakota was invited to accompany the girl's family home. The house was warmed by a central fireplace. A large iron pot containing mutton stew was ha
nging over the flames. Warm bread sat on a platter on the large wooden table in the kitchen area.
The girl's mother gestured for Dakota to sit. The rest of the family sat around the table, each taking a turn at ladling soup into a bowl and taking a chunk of broken bread.
* * *
"It's time," the voice said. "You must hurry if you want the woman."
The man was almost asleep when the voice woke him. Jumping up, he grinned.
"About time," he said excitedly. "Where is she?"
"She is with the girl's family. You must be patient, though. It won't be easy to get her to leave the house by herself. I'll help, but you must do exactly what I say and be quick."
"I will. Whatever you say." His excitement grew. His needs were great now.
"She'll fight you if you hesitate. If you fail, you'll be caught, and I won't be able to help you. You'll be on your own. Do you understand?"
"Sure."
The voice gave him instructions. Nodding, he put on his jacket and left for the girl's home.
* * *
Yemaya sat with the town elders discussing the details of the investigations by the local police force and the Carpi. Very little information was available. Several strangers were in the neighborhood. Most had either family connections or friends. A few businessmen were visiting the wineries trying to finalize deals. The rest seemed to be migrants, backpackers, or sightseers. None of them acted unusual.
Scanning the names, Yemaya eliminated the ones least likely to be the killer. Friends or family members were the first. Several had arrived after the killing, or their time could be accounted for by someone else. By the time she was done, only three people seemed to have either shaky alibis or none at all.
"I want these three followed at all times," Yemaya ordered. "And I want background checks on them. Check the motel and backpacker inn records on these two. This one," she said, tapping her finger on his file, "talk with Mr. Romalty at the winery. See if he can tell you any more about him, especially when he arrived and where he is staying."
"I'll send men out immediately," Kenyon replied, motioning to two of his assistants who had been standing quietly by the door.
"Good. Now what else is there to discuss? We might as well finish any remaining business now."
* * *
Yemaya was anxious to get back to Dakota, but she didn't want to attend the funeral. It was bad enough sharing everyone's sorrow, but for her, it was extremely painful. Sorrow in so many people could be overwhelming Twice in her life she had endured the agony of large crowds in mourning and she swore never again.
After resolving the more important issues, Yemaya called Andrei, who had been visiting his sister.
* * *
Dakota listened to the family as they talked about the funeral and all the people who had attended. They were honored by her presence as the special representative of Miss Lysanne. Dakota graciously thanked them for their hospitality.
A banging on the door interrupted the family's conversation. When the daughter opened the door, a young boy excused himself, pushed past the girl, and rushed in. Seeing Dakota, he hurried to her and bowed.
"Please forgive, Ms. Devereaux," he apologized. "The Mistress sent me to you. There was acci–accident. She hurt. You go to her, yes?"
Dakota jumped up and grabbed her coat. "Where is she?"
"Close. She close! We go now," he pleaded, his eyes lowered respectfully. His voice was surprisingly low. Had Dakota looked closely at the young boy's face, she would have seen black eyes gleaming unnaturally.
"Yes, we go now."
"Ms. Devereaux," the girl's father said, "I'll go with you. You mustn't go out alone."
"She hurt bad, miss, but we wait if you want."
"No, we're going now," she declared. "I'm not alone. This young man will keep me company. Please call an ambulance and the estate. Tell Maria to send another car immediately. Where exactly is she?" she asked turning back to the young man.
Giving her the names of an intersection about six blocks away, he rushed to the door and stepped outside.
"Tell everyone we'll be at that location," Dakota said.
* * *
Dakota hurried after the young man. It was an effort to keep up as he moved quickly through the deserted streets. For a moment, she lost sight of him when he stepped around a corner. As she rounded the corner, she caught a quick glimpse of a fist before the pain exploded in her jaw, knocking her unconscious.
The boy stood looking at the woman's crumpled body lying on the ground.
"Did I not tell you she was beautiful?" the voice asked.
"Yes," the man replied. "Very beautiful."
"Take her to the meadow and be quick," the voice commanded. "You may not kill her 'til I tell you to, but she is yours to enjoy."
The man stooped to pick up the limp form. When he straightened, the boy had vanished.
"We're going to have some fun," the man promised. He continued talking to the unconscious woman as he walked into the woods unaware he was being watched. Cold golden-flecked serpentine eyes opened slowly when he walked past a fallen tree. Slowly, the long slender body reluctantly uncoiled. It slithered across the ground several feet behind the intruder.
* * *
Andrei was only a few minutes away from Yemaya when she felt the pain. Something was horribly wrong. Placing her palms against her temples, she pressed hard and was startled by a voice in her head.
"Yemaya, I am Sssarpe, friend to Mari.You musssstt hurrry," Sarpe hissed, her silky soft voice easing through Yemaya's pain. "My kin is following the human. He has your life mate."
"Where are they, Sarpe?"
"In the foressst. He carries her toward the sssame placcce as before. I will let the others know."
"Thank you," Yemaya said gratefully. It would be at least twenty minutes before she and Andrei could reach the edge of the forest.
* * *
Ursa felt helpless. Her kin were hibernating. Waking them would take too long to help the mortal.
"What can we do?" she grumbled angrily. "My kin can do nothing to help. They sleep too deeply to wake up." She flexed her paws helplessly.
"Ursa, calm down. Let me think," Arbora said firmly. "Sarpe's kin follows the Dark One's servant. She will do what she can. I'll try to locate Intunecat, and you must get Mari and Maopa. Now go, my love," she whispered, embracing the bear Spirit.
* * *
Arbora knew it would be difficult to find the Dark One. Nighttime in the woods made everything dark. Shadows were long and plentiful, and they moved as swiftly as the moon across the black skies.
It was fortunate Sarpe's kin was still able to move. The cold nights often made them sluggish, and they were usually reluctant to leave their warm burrows. Sarpe had to be supplementing their energies with her own. How long she could continue, though, was questionable. It was difficult to maintain a connection between the spirit and mortal worlds. She would pay dearly for her efforts.
* * *
Ursa growled and grumbled. Ladyhawk felt the disturbance. Soaring from her high perch, she landed on the bear spirit's broad shoulder.
"So it begins," she declared.
"I must get to Mari and Maopa quickly."
"Merge with me, Ursa. With your help, we can get there faster than either of us alone."
Ursa had never merged with anyone other than Arbora. She hesitated.
"It's okay," Arbora's voice assured her. "I understand."
* * *
Once together, Ladyhawk streaked toward Mari's domain. By the time she arrived, Mari and Maopa were already discussing the situation.
"Vyushir has sent the wolves to the meadow to await the human. I've told her to tell them to do nothing until Yemaya arrives. He will kill Dakota if he suspects anything is wrong," Mari said.
"That be so. We must let the magic woman deal with him. She be the only one who kin get inside his head ta fight the darkness."
"She will need our help," Ladyhawk said.
/>
"We must hurry."
The three Spirits vanished simultaneously.
CHAPTER 25
AS THE MAN WOUND through the trees carrying his prize, he noticed the wind starting to gust. An owl hooted nearby, causing him to jump. In the distance, a wolf's howl drowned out the high screech of a raptor. Soon, tree limbs started falling around him. Apparently, a storm was brewing, making the animals uneasy, and causing them to voice their discomfort.
The Illusionist - 3rd Edition Page 19