Odder- The Blood Curse

by Nathaniel Red

  Odder clasped his hands to keep them from trembling. “Divine Oracle, I don’t understand. Please tell me how to break the curse and defeat the demons, and I will be on my way.”

  “Yes, you would not understand – not yet. The answer will find you.” The entity moved around Odder and climbed back into the rippling liquid. “Once you defeat your demons, your magic will be restored.”

  “But where do I start?”

  “At the Champion’s Quest.” The disk tilted back toward the ground. “One last thing – if the poison reaches your heart, you will die. The only way to fully break the curse is to make a sacrifice to the Tetrad.”

  Odder unclasped his hands. “What kind of sacrifice?”

  “The ultimate sacrifice. Someone you care deeply for.”

  “No. I can’t… I won’t take the life of someone close to me.”

  “Then you will die.”

  The candlelights flickered once again, and the door rolled open, spilling light into the chamber yet doing little to diminish its doldrums. Odder’s spirit flailed like a fishing boat caught in a storm. He walked out feeling the weight of the oracle’s words bearing down on him.

  CHAPTER 11

  THE UNMASKING

  “Why won’t you tell me?” Aimma asked while tugging at Odder’s tunic, trying to slow him down.

  “Shh… Keep it down. I promise I’ll tell you once we leave the guest quarters and make it safely back to my room.” He cracked open the door and peered into the hall.

  She crossed her arms.

  Except for one long, annoyed stare from a guard stationed nearby, Odder and Aimma traveled through the hall and back into Odder’s room with swift ease.

  “Now will you tell me? I want to hear everything,” she insisted.

  Odder closed his door and pointed to the bed. “Have a seat.”

  She relaxed and sat at the edge.

  He followed and sat next to her. “The oracle said I have three inner demons I must defeat – only then can I conjure magic.”

  “Defeat three demons? How are you supposed to do that?”

  “I don’t know. He said the answer would find me.”

  She frowned. “That doesn’t seem like a proper answer. He didn’t tell you where to begin or where to search?”

  He shrugged. “He said the games would be the start.”

  “Interesting. Perhaps you will meet a mighty wizard there.”

  “Yes, that must be it.” Odder smiled, hiding the pain of the Oracle’s warning.

  “So, what did the Divine Oracle look like?” she asked.

  “He said my eyes would boil if I gazed at him, so I looked at the ground. I saw his tail though – it was ghostlike.”

  “Hmm. It sounds like you saw his magical essence.”

  “Magic essence?”

  “Yes. Every creature has a material body, a magical essence, and a spirit. I even have a few jars of toad essence for healings and potions.”

  “Could it be his spirit, though?” Odder asked

  “You can’t see the spirit like you can the essence, but since the Oracle appeared alive, it was probably both.”

  “Maybe that’s why he warned me not to look.”

  “I suppose his magic essence is so immense that it would have blinded you.”

  Odder glanced down, knowing his eyes would give away his thoughts.

  “Is there something you’re not telling me, Odder?” Aimma asked, with concern.

  “Tell her nothing,” his inner voice warned, returning with rancor.

  “Quite!” Odder said, not realizing he said his words out loud.

  Aimma gave him a puzzled look.

  “There is,” Odder confessed. “If I don’t break the curse before the poison reaches my heart, I’ll die.”

  “Then we’ll break the curse before then.”

  “Don’t tell her about the sacrifice,” his inner voice said.

  Odder cleared his throat. “There’s something el–”

  A sudden pounding on the door interrupted, followed by a voice calling, “Odder! Are you in there?”

  “It’s the Prince,” Odder whispered to Aimma. “Just a moment.”

  She leaped to her feet and brushed her fingers through her hair. Odder opened the door and bowed.

  “My lord.”

  “Oh, get up Odder. How are you doing?” Before he answered, Destin’s gaze fixed on Aimma. “Ooh.” He raised an eyebrow. “You have company.”

  “Just a healer, my lord.”

  “Yes, we met during your recovery,” Destin said, though his gaze lasted a moment longer than seemed necessary before he nodded.

  Aimma returned the gesture.

  “I’m better, I think,” said Odder.

  “The High Wizard’s failed attempt to exorcise your demons nearly killed you.” Destin walked in without invitation, and another elf followed.

  “I don’t remember much,” Odder said. “Did… the High Wizard get injured?”

  Aimma cast him a warning look

  Destin’s eyes narrowed. “Drugan’s taking care of him, but we can talk more about it after the ball.” He gripped Odder’s shoulders and gave him a soft shake. “I stopped in a couple of times while you were unconscious. I’m glad to see you up.”

  “Thanks.” Odder grinned but taken back by the other elf. “And is this your new servant?”

  The Prince turned and pointed. “Who Britt?” He laughed and waved the elf forward. “This is Britt, a commoner from the northern mountain village of Skozga. He’s the finest wizard in our province and my companion in the games.”

  Britt matched Destin in height, but with a thinner build. Tight black curls covered his face, contrasting his long white hair with bangs cut to a point. He wore only a simple brown cloak with two wands holstered in his leather belt.

  “Hello Odder,” Britt said with a serious expression. He then winked at the healer and reached for her hand. “And what is your name?”

  “Aimma,” she said, eyes fixed on his sharp face and defined features, while accepting his hand.

  “Will I see you at the masquerade ball?”

  She took back her hand and blushed. “Oh no, I’m not invited.”

  To Odder, Britt was yet another example of an arrogant elf using his position to woo the maidens. Odder rolled his eyes.

  “Nonsense,” said Destin. “Come as my guest to care for Odder.”

  “I’ll be fine on my own, my lord,” Odder said, with an unconvincing frown.

  “Thank you, Prince Destin,” she said, disregarding Odder.

  Odder sneered and looked away.

  “Fantastic,” said Britt. He grabbed her hand once more and held it to his lips. “Until tonight.”

  “Until tonight.” She giggled.

  Destin left the room with Britt following. “Alright, we will see you two tonight. Odder, take her to the King’s tailor. He has several extra costumes.”

  “Of course, my lord,” he mumbled as he closed the door behind them.

  Aimma was grinning from ear to ear when he turned around. “He’s very handsome, and he must be a powerful wizard to be paired with the Prince.”

  Odder crossed his arms. “If he’s so powerful, why does he need two wands?”

  She smiled and twirled her finger in her hair. It was unclear whether she’d even heard him. “What an honor to be invited. I don’t have the faintest idea how to behave among such honored guests though.”

  “I’m sure the King’s tailor will have an outfit to help you blend in,” he said with a sigh, opening the door for her. “This way, fair maiden.”

  ***

  “Alright, you can turn around now,” Aimma said.

  “It’s about time.” Odder turned around. “I don’t know what took so…” His jaw dropped.

  “Well, how do I look?” she asked, with hesitancy.

  He stood motionless, staring.

  “Odder?”

  “Uh.” He choked and had to clear his throat several times. “In
credible.” The word barely managed to escape his awestruck mouth.

  An emerald gown twisted up her petite legs, hugged her hips, crisscrossed around her chest, and wrapped around her shoulders, leading into a small, transparent cape. Her mask mimicked an exotic bird with its long orange beak, green and black striped face, and blue, yellow, orange, and green feathers.

  “I’m glad you like it.” She studied Odder’s costume. “That mask is adorable.”

  “It’s a catskill.” He growled in demonstration. “It’s meant to be fierce.”

  She chuckled. “Scary.”

  “A catskill, bonebear, or lemkey mask were the only choices given to the servants, and our attire had to be a white tunic.”

  “Well, the catskill suits you.”

  “Thanks.” He pointed toward the door. “We should go before we’re late.”

  The two exited the tailor’s room and joined a small crowd in the foyer. From exotic animals to bizarre creatures, Odder admired the amazing garments each guest adorned. One by one, the visitors entered the Great Hall.

  “Name?” asked a sentry. “And I need to see your face.”

  He lifted his mask. “Odder, servant to Prince Destin.”

  The sentry held up a scroll, found Odder’s name, and compared him to a drawing of the elf hovering over the paper.

  “You may enter. Servants are to check in at the kitchen.”

  Odder waited near the entrance for Aimma. Among the hundreds of guests in the large room, were the seven kings from each House, their nobles, past Proprius’s, and other distinguished guests.

  He closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath and mentally detached from the crowd. He smelled the delicious aroma of the banquet’s feast. Pastries, cakes, jellies, and fritters filled one table. Breads, venison, roasted anzu, and fried agnus filled another. Finally, wine, rum, ales, and other spirits completed the last table.

  Aimma strolled up to Odder.

  “I see the sentry took extra time to examine you,” he said, with only slight sarcasm.

  “He admired my costume.”

  “I bet he did,” Odder said, avoiding eye contact and unsure of why he even cared. “I have to check in. You can wait for me at the spirits table.”

  She shrugged. “Sure.”

  He made his way between the guests, looking for the head steward but collided with Drugan. Odder fell to the ground - giving him a sore bottom.

  “Pardon me, my lord,” he said, scampering to his feet.

  Drugan bent forward and gave Odder a callous stare. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?” he asked in his cold, raspy voice, his breath smelling of ash.

  Odder shied away from answering, “The head steward.”

  The Xenduri straightened and adjusted his cloak. “In the kitchen.” He pointed the way as if Odder didn’t know and continued walking.

  Without hesitation, Odder hurried to the kitchen.

  “Head steward, I’m Odder, servant to the Prince.”

  “Odder?” He cleared his throat. “You are late. Your master is already mingling with the guests.” He pinned a golden sword on Odder’s collar and pointed to a stylish elf surrounded by several exotically dressed females. “Acknowledge your presence, stay close, and care for his needs.”

  “Yes, head steward.” He dashed over to the Prince and stood behind him. “My apologies for being late, my lord.”

  “Is that you, Odder?” Destin turned and spilled a little wine on Odder’s tunic. His gaudy mask shaped like a black dragon’s face, nearly gouged Odder’s eye. Destin grabbed him by the back of the neck and led him to the wine table. “Let’s step away from these lassies and get more wine.”

  “Perhaps you should pace yourself, my lord.”

  “What?” The Prince snarled and leaned into Odder. “Are you questioning me?”

  “No, my lord.” Odder paused and ran several plausible answers through his mind. “Just making sure you do not miss a step during the dance.”

  The Prince’s brow furrowed. After a long pause, he grabbed Odder’s cheeks and laughed. “You are a well-trusted servant,” he yelled into the crowd. “Now go ask the head steward for an anti-muddle elixir to sober me up.”

  Odder wiped his forehead before departing. A drunk Prince is a happy Prince, he reminded himself.

  “Head steward, I need some anti-muddle elixir for the Prince.”

  The head steward looked past Odder’s shoulder. “I think you’ll need a few more before the night's through.” He handed him a vial.

  Odder returned to the spirits table and found Destin, Britt, and Aimma laughing. “He’s back!” Announced the Prince. “Do you have my elixir?”

  “Yes, my lord, but only enough for you.” Odder turned toward Britt. “Should I get more?”

  “Not necessary,” said Britt who wore the same cloak from earlier but with the addition of an owl mask. “I do not drink.”

  Aimma’s cheeks glowed, and she made a silly grin at Britt. Odder wondered if he should have brought some elixir for her instead.

  “And this is why he is a great wizard.” Destin knocked off his own mask and downed the vial. He bent over, burped, and then stood erect like a statue. His bloodshot eyes whitened, and hundreds of small bubbles drifted from his head and popped in the air. “Ahh . . . Much better.” He handed back the vial to Odder. “Hand me my mask.”

  Horns blew throughout the room. “And just in time,” said Britt.

  Someone dressed in tight, silver pants with a black cape and a silver floxen mask stepped onto the stage. He lifted a megaphone up to his lips. “Honored guests, I present King Gralon, ruler of the House of Elestus.” Odder recognized the voice as that of the Archwizard.

  The guests cheered and clapped.

  “Welcome, welcome,” said the King as he stepped from behind a red curtain, into the applause. He raised his arms. “Honored guests, tonight we celebrate the Champion’s Quest. By this time tomorrow, we will have a new defender. As you know, we are upon the Great Tetrad, and this year’s Champion will defend the portal from evil.” He waved an arm to his right. “Competitors, please line up with your wizards to be introduced.”

  Fourteen elves assembled on the stage. “Here stand seven of the greatest warriors from all of the Seven Houses of Arcaina.” The crowd cheered. “Please hold your cheers till the end.” The King pointed to each Proprius and announced their names.

  “From Elestus, Prince Destin Arcus;

  from Salutaria, Kosa Ra;

  from Vastadia, Dorian Dund;

  from Villamari, Sestus Meir;

  from Gelusador, Prince Ciale Kane;

  from Rigan, Prince Algu Rothus;

  and from Skyger, Darku Artimus.”

  Each raised their hands when called. The crowd once again applauded.

  Aimma leaned toward Odder. “Why don’t they announce the wizards’ names?”

  “Their role is to support their Proprius,” answered Odder.

  “Well, I think the wizards should get recognition too.”

  “You mean Britt should.”

  Aimma glared at Odder. “No, not just Britt.” She placed the brilliant mask over her face again. “Sounds like you might be jealous.”

  “Me?” Odder crossed his arms. “Not at all.”

  The King motioned to his left and clapped. “Maidens, please grace us with your dance.”

  The lights dimmed, the guest quieted, and the harps played. One by one, a Princess from each House entered the dance floor – the first being the Princess from Rigan. She donned a radiant, red dress with flaming wings that echoed her movements. A red, silk mask covered her face, exposing only her coal black eyes.

  The maiden from Salutaria followed wearing a leafy, wooden mask, and dressed in hunter green garb with gold lacing, and a luminescent green cape, which shimmered with her movements, giving a cloaking effect.

  Swirls of blue water rotated around the Princess from Villamari as she drifted across the floor. Her white dress waved as if floating i
n the sea. Her mask resembled a seahorse.

  Next, the maiden from Gelusador glided across the floor leaving a path of ice in her wake. Her midnight blue hair appeared stiff and brittle. Solid ice covered her face while the rest of her skin was pale blue like that of the second sun. Her dress covered only her hips and chest, and jagged ice crystals projected from her back.

  A giggling Princess followed her, waving her hands and hips, and blowing kisses to the guests. This maiden from Vastadia danced across the floor in her multi-shaded dress of tans, oranges, and yellows. Although only a simple rust-colored mask covered her eyes, she was clearly a favorite.

  The crackling sound of electricity filled the room as the maiden from Skyger approached. She wore a simple, elegant black dress with a matching black mask. Luminescent wings fluttered from her back and pulsed with blue light through the veins.

  Finally, a tall figure taking long strides walked toward the dance floor. The maiden from Elestus wore a gray dress with dark metal rods projecting out from various areas of her body, and black, dangerously tall-heeled boots. A light gray veil covered her hair and head, while a white mask with black eyes and mouth hid her face.

  The King signaled for the musical ensemble to play. The maidens raised their arms and swayed their hands in a perfect choreography of graceful movements. Each step flirted with the melody as they danced in circles, posed in various harmonious positions, and bowed with their hands swaying in the air.

  The Princess from Rigan cast a quick wink to Prince Destin and blew him a fiery kiss. The Prince hooted as he attempted to grab it from the air. The crowd rejoiced, and soon the elves joined the maidens on the dance floor. Destin made a perfect direct route to the Rigan Princess.

  Britt approached Aimma. “May I have this dance, fair maiden?”

  She curtsied. “Of course, my lord.”

  He took her hand and escorted her to the center gala.

  The joy left Odder as he stood somber and alone at the table, watching the elves celebrate, flirt, and feast.

  “I never understood why you elves have such extravagant celebrations,” said a soft yet patronizing voice next to him. “And why those crazy outfits?”

  Startled, Odder turned. Next to him stood a thin female in a long crimson dress with a slit exposing her leg and upper thigh. A combination of crimson fabric and diamonds laced her corset. Waves of auburn hair covered her shoulders and neck. She wore matching red gloves that came to her elbows. A translucent red cape flowed behind her.