by Ann Cory
Fifty men decked in full suits of armor assembled before their royal highness, ready to do his bidding.
In a defeated voice, he gave the only order he could at this time. "See to it the streets are cleaned up and bodies are properly buried. I think the people have seen enough violence and should not have to bury their own."
He saw the look of confusion in the eyes of those who trusted him most.
"I know what you are thinking. I promise you, this is not over. I acknowledge this madness has gone on long enough and it will be over soon. I shall be up in my chambers figuring out a strategic plan where we will come out victorious. We will not allow Bramstead to fall into the devil's hands."
"Yes, your highness," the men answered in unison.
The king stared after them. Only the young ones were left. If he did indeed send them off to do battle, he was afraid they would be next to die. Was there a difference in sending out children to keep from other children from being killed? Yes, of course there was, he needed to believe it to be so, but it didn't lessen his pain. He made his way up the long flight of steps. His head ached.
* * *
Out in the streets the creature was bloated from his fill of bloodshed and bones. The taste did little to sate his needs, and it wouldn't be long before he would be hungry again. Out of an unexplainable kindness, he left the remaining survivors to tend to their broken hearts and crushed homes. The cobblestone streets, once bluish-gray, were now coated in crimson puddles. His heavy feet splattered the blood against any foundation that stood nearby. The smell of fear and grief was rank and combined with the stench of his damp, gore-covered fur. He wished the voice in his head would stop shouting and cursing at him. Always ordering him about. Telling him what to think, how to act, which innocent to kill. It only added to the confusion of where and who he was.
Bounding away from town, he caught a glimpse of the faces of terrified women and children. He nearly fell to the ground as a labyrinth of bodies blocked his way. They looked somewhat familiar—had he seen them before? Of course, he had. When they were alive. Stretching his burly legs wide, he climbed over them. Why did everyone cast hate-filled stares his way? Why did their eyes throw blame at him like tiny daggers? To be pelted with rocks and stones would be far more bearable. The bloodthirsty cravings subsided and were replaced by a heavy sense of dread.
The soft beams of the moon shone a path through the muddy fields, and he ran as far as his awkward legs could go. Mixed into his thoughts was a voice of reason, an angelic voice that he was sure once whispered loving words in his ear. Yes, he could almost remember…almost.
When he reached the forest, he collapsed to the ground. He wanted nothing more than to escape and to find the only safety he knew. A sanctuary he once remembered where life was sweet and thoughts were clear. Time was running out, but it was beyond his control. Everything was beyond his control. His master told him so.
Chapter Three
An incessant knock at the door awakened Minna from another restless sleep. She shielded her eyes as rays of sunlight poured in from the curtainless window, and swept across her face.
As she walked to the door, she noticed a bright golden haze surrounding the archway, further adding to her curiosity. She pulled the door open and looked around, but saw no one standing about. Confused, she walked outside a short distance and glanced along the blossomed walkway until content that she was alone.
Minna turned to go back inside, then bumped into a small child wearing a frilly yellow dress.
She put her hand to her mouth and gasped. "Oh, hello, little one. I did not see you there. Where did you come from?"
The child did not answer, but stared into her eyes, smiling brightly with noticeable dimples. Her cherub face was framed with blonde curls that spiraled in the breeze. A sprig of peach freckles ran along the top of her perfect little nose.
"Have you not yet learned to speak, little one? Or were you smartly taught by your guardians to not talk to strangers?"
Again the child stared at her, but would not utter a word. Minna started to feel uneasy in the silence. She wondered if the child had wandered off, or worse, had been left motherless. The young girl appeared to be in good health and had a luminous smile that was contagious. The longer she stared into the girl's face, the more mesmerized Minna became. She was powerless to lift her gaze away.
"Are you all alone?"
A light breeze rustled the child's curly locks and she giggled almost to herself, but she still wouldn't speak. Strange voices drifted on the breeze and filled Minna's head with memories of her own childhood and the way she loved to dance with her mother. The breeze blew again and brought a cacophony of voices with it.
Let me in. Let me in. Open your door to me and let me in. There is nothing to fear here. Let me in.
Minna frowned. Were those words meant for her? Surely there were no actual voices. She had to be hearing things. The child raised a finger and pointed toward the doorway. She figured the girl hungry and decided to try and tempt her with sugary goodness. Maybe then she could find out where the girl came from and help her get back home.
"I have tea and tarts if you would like to join me inside for breakfast. How does that sound?"
With a nod of her head, the little girl followed, skipping about in her pretty white shoes.
Minna reached to shut the door when a glow of light blinded her. She blinked her eyes and looked again. The child was no more, but in her place was an elderly man holding a long wooden staff.
She opened her mouth to scream but her fear changed to curiosity when he held his hand up and she saw the symbol of the sun on his palm. Minna couldn't be sure, but she thought he'd put a spell on her.
Unable to find the words to speak, she studied his appearance. His wintry white hair and beard reached to his naked wrinkled toes and made him appear taller. Long, bushy eyebrows framed silver-blue eyes that exuded kindness and wisdom. His robe looked majestic in ivory white with embroidered designs and symbols she didn't recognize. He used the staff to help him hobble closer.
"My dear child, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Lachlan, and I am an aging wizard with very few powers left in these old bones. Please be assured I am not here to frighten or harm you. Only to help as best I can." His voice was deep and ragged with a hint of mystery. There was an air of familiarity about him, but she couldn't place where she would have met him before.
"Your mind is swirling with questions, that is to be expected. Please. Trust that I have come to lift your spirits and soothe your soul."
Minna held her tongue and listened, paying careful attention to his words. He was extremely thin and it looked like each movement seemed to bring him much pain. Concerned of his hunger, she tied an apron on and sprinkled sugar on several pastries she'd baked the day before.
"I am at a loss for words, forgive me. I suppose a welcome is in order. Please, have a seat. I trust you have an appetite?"
The wizard smiled and rubbed his hands together. "Yes, I most certainly do. Shape shifting is a very draining process and food replenishes my energy quickly. Especially when sweets are involved."
"Then you're in for a treat, for sweets are precisely what I have to offer. It shouldn't be long before the apple tarts are ready. They're from a special recipe my mother made when I was young…" Minna realized she was rambling and winced. What a way to behave toward an unexpected guest.
"Ah yes, your mother, Dyanarra. She was a beautiful woman with a kind heart. Never spoke an unkind word about anyone."
Minna turned around briskly, nearly knocking the tray of tarts to the floor. "I'm sorry…did I hear you right? You knew my mother?"
The wizard nodded. "Briefly. She helped me in a time of great need and I promised to repay her in any way she saw fit."
To hear about her mother from others always made her pulse race. She'd never fully recovered from the loss. Carefully she placed the tray of pastries into the oven and set two teacups on the table. "And what did she
ask of you?"
"You'll learn of that in time."
Minna frowned. Riddles. How she hated them. Still, he was her guest and she didn't want to seem rude. "I see. Tell me, I am most curious. How did you make yourself into a small child? That cannot be an easy task at any age."
He laughed, his eyes crinkling at the sides. "Oh, that is one of the few talents I have left. And one of my favorites. Once I am in a form, I cannot change back unless welcomed and properly invited into a home. Turning myself into a child seems to be the easiest way for me to achieve an invitation indoors, and it works every time."
Minna smiled as she poured him tea. "I've never seen you before. Have I?"
"Once when you were a little girl. But I don't expect you'd remember."
She shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't."
"I must say it is starting to smell very good in here."
Minna nodded and got up to check the oven. "Only another couple of minutes. May I ask why you haven't been by before? I mean, since my mother passed away."
"I only come around when I am most needed."
"Than I gather you are here for a reason."
"Yes, child. I'm not one to meddle in other people's business, but this time I believe I am the only one who can help."
He paused a moment and closed his eyes. Minna stared and wondered if he had fallen asleep. She reached over the table to tap his shoulder when his eyes opened.
"Forgive me, I communicate in my mind with those who help me keep watch."
She smiled. "Friends of yours?"
"Animals, trees, and other magic folk. We have to stick together," he said and winked at her. "How are those pastries coming?"
Minna hurried to the oven and grabbed a thick cloth. The scintillating aroma filled her home as she pulled out the tray of warm tarts. Carefully she chose two of the larger ones and set them on a saucer, placing it before the wizard.
"There you go, enjoy."
She sat across from him and watched as he sank his crooked front teeth into the pastry.
After a couple chews, a smile brightened his entire face. "Mm. Delicious. Precisely what I needed. Thank you."
Minna relaxed. She liked him and the unexplainable comfort he brought with his presence.
"Lachlan, while I enjoy your company, I wonder what it is that brings you here. You say you only come when you're most needed, and that you hope to lift my spirits and soothe my soul. Why would you think I am in need of all that?"
"Because I bring news of your beloved, Derik."
Chapter Four
He needn't say more to have her full attention. Minna held tight to the edge of the table, her mind reeling at the mere mention of Derik's name.
"You aren't teasing, are you? Please say you aren't."
"No, my dear. I would never stir up something so important only to have it be a falsehood."
"I didn't mean to imply you were lying, I just needed…confirmation. Others have claimed to have seen him but never show me proof."
"Well, I have no proof to show you, but much to share with you. I have heard many tales within the forests and lands miles from here. Many different people, even animals, have spoken about a strong-willed man, searching for his way back home."
Minna bit her lip. "Animals?"
"Yes, child. I converse in many tongues. Perks of wizardry." He winked and sipped his tea.
"I see. Then he truly is alive?"
"Yes."
A long-held breath escaped her throat. The relief in hearing those exact words made her want to jump up and spin around. "Please, tell me more. Do not keep me in suspense."
"I need you to listen very carefully to what I say. There is both good and bad news. Yes, he is alive, but for how much longer depends on you. It has been relayed to me that he has been placed under a spell, some kind of vicious curse. With various stories and depictions to choose from, I set out to find as much of the truth as I could. What I have found is somewhat disturbing."
Minna's took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Lachlan placed his hands on hers and leaned in close. "I sense he is your one true love. You know deep in your heart that you will see him again. It is imperative that you trust in your belief, for it is what shall save him. Love is the most powerful gift in the world, and when extended without games, expectations, rules or disrespect, it can become the most precious gift we'll ever encounter."
She sat in stunned silence. Across from her was a mere stranger, yet he knew more about her than she knew of herself. His wisdom scared her, but his voice gave her strength. To hear Derik's name from his lips made her heart pound and her body weak at the same time.
"I believe you are a strong woman, and what I relate to you will only make you stronger."
"What have you heard? Please tell me."
"The last morning you saw Derik, he was headed out to the woods for work. Coincidentally, it was the same day he was captured and taken hostage by a malicious warlock, who had been spying on him for quite some time. This warlock was aware of how sturdy Derik was, both physically and mentally, which is what he sought to carry out his evil deeds. More importantly, he had something to hang over Derik's head to make him do whatever he wanted—his undying love for you. As a result, you became the one thing that keeps him from going completely mad."
Lachlan paused to finish up the tart. Minna wrung her hands together, hanging on to each word. The wizard wiped his mouth with his sleeve and again placed his hands in hers.
"This warlock, Blagden, is powerful and has not come by his powers through luck or chance. While it is true that he was born with minor abilities to perform magic, he now surpasses that of most experienced wizards. He holds a power that enables him to control the minds of people. He now controls Derik. By day, the man you love has the body and face of a beast, yet it is his human heart with which he sees."
"He sees with his heart?"
"By that I mean he has a small recollection of who he once was. What he does remember is his love for you. So indeed, he sees with his heart."
Her stomach lurched. It all sounded foreign to her. "Why would this warlock do such a terrible thing?"
"This arrangement was made so that Derik would feel the shame and humiliation of what he has become and the sins he commits against his will. In the evening, he is a dangerous beast in both body and mind, with little regard for the destruction he leaves in his path."
Minna's heart pounded. Visions of Derik in a grisly form with a hideous mask of fangs flashed in her mind. Her body crumpled, for fear she had lost him forever.
"How dangerous is this warlock?"
"My dear, he is the most feared person of all the land. Even I cannot stop him with my powers. It would be my ruination. Blagden has declared war upon Bramstead and plans to conquer other kingdoms shortly thereafter. He means to kill King Villaire and take over his castle. His intention is to rule everything and everyone. I believe he has a great chance of succeeding at this point."
She shook her head. "Then there must be a way to stop him. Word needs to be sent out to the nearby kingdoms to bring this madman down."
"Ah, child. We mustn't be hasty. Few are the men who would go up against someone of black magic and the monsters that make up his vicious army. No one knows how to stop or entrap him. He is one step ahead of those who have a small chance of defeating him, which in turn does nothing for a solution. Men fear what he can do. War would only cause more death. It would not destroy Blagden."
"So you believe this villain cannot be stopped?" Minna clenched her fists tightly. How dare a sick and twisted stranger come between her and the man she loved? If the warlock could not be stopped, she may never have the chance to be in Derik's arms again.
Lachlan wiped crumbs from his beard and continued. "What I do know from past history is years ago Blagden had also been cursed, by a powerful sorceress, Syrina, whom he'd betrayed."
"I have heard of her through stories."
"Yes. She lives in Mority wher
e her father is king. The curse forbids Blagden to enter a kingdom unless chosen by the new king as his successor. I do not know the extent of the sorceress's powers or what part she plays in all of this, but Blagden stole something from her and she has vowed to take it back. This warlock has sent Derik into the kingdom and surrounding villages at night to kill and maim the people, in hopes of gaining advantage of the crown out of manipulation and fear."
As Lachlan sipped the rest of his tea, Minna's legs trembled beneath the table. Blood was being shed closer than she realized. Restless and thoroughly shaken, she got up and poured them both another cup of tea. It was all she could do to keep from falling apart. Her hands shook as she handed the wizard his cup.
He nodded at her and waited for her to sit. "Thank you. This tea is comforting."
"This situation sounds like a nightmare. I am sorry for what the people are going through. But, I don't understand. Derik would never hurt anyone. I can't imagine him not having enough strength to break free from the spell. It doesn't sound like him at all."
"Dear girl, it is not Derik who does the thinking, at least not when he is in the form of the beast. Do you understand what I am saying? Forget what you think you know about him. He doesn't even know who he is anymore. His mind has been ripped apart, and he is held captive by a warlock who knows nothing but darkness and greed. As a beast, Derik has little control of his mind. He must think and act as an animal with the same hunger as an animal. His appetite has been conditioned to seek out human blood."
Minna shuddered. "It's unimaginable to me."