Odder- The Blood Curse

by Nathaniel Red

Odder's strength return. "Serra, no," he cried out.

  "She looked over to him and stopped.

  "No. I control you," commanded Destin.

  Serra fell to her knees and screamed. Her markings moved in a chaotic danced as if trying to tear out of her skin. She ripped at her eyes and tried to pull the blackness from them.

  Destin roared then jumped high into the air and landing his knee into Odder's chest. He grabbed him by the collar. "You do not oppose my authority. I am the true Champion." He pushed Odder’s head back into the ground.

  Odder coughed, fighting to put air back into his lungs. He held up his forearm, showing Destin.

  "Do you think the Celestines chose you to be the Champion?"

  "I know, I am," Odder said, squeezing the words out of his mouth.

  Destin lifted his head and laughed. "Where do you think you got that demon blood from?"

  Odder shook his head.

  "From Bahl-xolus,” said Destin. “They tried to hide you, but I found you. Remember the potion your trusty gnome gave you? Well, I was the wizard who gave it to him. It was needed to reveal your curse and set in motion my plan."

  "I don't believe you. You're possessed."

  Destin laughed. "As we speak Bahl-Xolus, or the Divine Oracle as you know him, is preparing to possess the basalt dragon, and preparing the arrival of his demon minion through the Great Tetrad."

  Destin pulled back his sleeve revealing the same markings as Odder, but without the three demon curse. "I have the markings of the true Champion, not a false savior created from demon's blood."

  Odder shook his head. His thoughts tangled in conflict. How did he know about the demon blood? Is he right? Am I not the true Champion? He pounded his head with his fist trying to regain his clarity. But I have the Maha'De. He gripped his sword and swung.

  Destin seized his arm. "I’m no fool. I know your every move." He squeezed, forcing Odder to drop the sword. He picked it up swaying the Maha'De in front of him. "Its magic is captivating."

  "Destin, why? You said we were like brothers."

  "For the power." Destin held the Maha'De over Odder. "Evil’s temptation is too great, so I let down my defenses, and gave into the darkness."

  Odder held up his hand to shield himself from the blade.

  "I will command over this new world, and all will be my slaves."

  "Serra, I need you," Odder mind whispered. "And what of Bahl-xolus and Queen Sorren? Won't they be the rulers?"

  Destin inched the sword closer. "Their plan is flawed. The Queen expects you will join her, but I know you, Odder the vekart. You are good and won't be turned."

  Serra cried out.

  Destin glanced back. "Appears your friend is almost free. No matter. He lifted his sword to his side. "There can be only one savior."

  Odder gathered his strength and summoned a fireball, "I won't give up," but before he launched it, Destin swung the Maha’De and severed Odder's arm just above his markings.

  In disbelief, Odder watched his arm twist in the air. He came to his senses and cried out as blood splattered on his face.

  Destin grabbed the arm, its fingers still twitching. "This is all I need to open the portal to the demon realm."

  Odder rolled on the ground in agony, waves of pain pulsating in his arm. Blood gushed between his fingers as he tried to stop the hemorrhaging.

  Destin backed into the forest, a red cloud formed around him. "I may have your arm and the demon blood, but you still have the poison. Goodbye, my faithful servant." He vanished into the cloud.

  Serra finally freed herself and ran to Odder's side. "Odder, I'm so sorry."

  She attempted to heal him but failed. Even her healing potion had no effect. She cauterized the cut. Odder screamed. "You won't bleed out now."

  "Still poisoned...," Odder mumbled, his words faded.

  "We have to find Aimma." Serra lifted him into her arms and sprinted. "Magic don't fail me now." She conjured her haste spell and cut through the village. She looked down at Odder and mind whispered, "Odder, you and I were meant to die but today is not that day. Stay with me." She then mind whispered Aimma's name over and over.

  He stared at Serra's red hair flying back like clouds in a menacing storm. Her piercing blue eyes brightened as she pushed forward. The burden of using her magic while carrying him strained and twisted her face.

  His eyelids became heavy. Each blink taking longer to open until darkness.

  "Stay with me, Odder." Were the last words he heard.

  CHAPTER 28

  THE IN BETWEEN

  Odder woke. A strange tangy yet sweet aroma surrounded him – like a corpse cleaned in preparation for its crypt. His arm ached as though his veins were ripped from his flesh and lit on fire. He moaned while pushing himself up to a sitting position.

  Aimma handed him a cup of water. "Take small sips to help calm the healing potion."

  Odder grabbed the cup and downed the whole liquid.

  "Laddy, I thought we lost you," said Finkle.

  "My hand, it’s on fire." Odder held up his severed arm. His faced conveyed an unmistakable mask of horror. "No!"

  "Be calm. The sensation of having your arm, even though it's gone, is natural." Aimma poured more water into his cup. "It's a common occurrence in these cases."

  Odder's soul wept. His hopes departing like a falling crystal chalice. "Where's Serra and Karzan?" he asked.

  Aimma pointed north in a clearing behind some trees. Serra rested on her knees with her head bowed over a mound of fresh dirt. Corbin stooped over her in silence.

  Odder pounded his fist into the ground. "This is my fault."

  "Stop it, laddy," Finkle said. "Our quest isn't complete."

  "Our quest is hopeless,” Odder responded with a quick tongue. “What can I do with one arm? Karzan is dead. Destin, who possesses the Maha'De, is the true Champion. I'm a fool to think we had a chance against an army of Goblins."

  Aimma and Finkle sat on the ground next to Odder. Their heads bowed.

  "So there really is no hope," Finkle said, with a sigh.

  Serra stood and brushed the dirt off her legs then walked with Corbin back to the group.

  Odder looked up with sadness in his eyes. His spirit broken.

  "Oh, get over your bash of pity," said Serra.

  Odder and the others jolted at her response.

  "We have work to do."

  “You’re supposed to be mourning,” said Finkle.

  “Mourn for the suffering. The dead are free.” Serra swallowed. “Karzan walked through the final gate and he suffers no more. I will miss him, but I will not mourn.”

  The group fell silent.

  “I will miss him too,” said Odder and Finkle following.

  Aimma nodded, tears welled in her eyes. "There's nothing left."

  “There is,” said Serra, stern and unyielding.

  Corbin knelt next to Odder. He gripped his chest, pulling open his ribcage.

  "What are you doing?" Odder questioned.

  Corbin growled as his metal ribs spread apart.

  Aimma reached for him, but Serra pulled her back. "Don't worry," Serra said.

  Corbin reached in and squeezed his heart until his lifeblood spilled onto his hand. He grabbed Odder's severed arm and poured the blood on the wound. He pushed his chest closed, then pulled back a golden plate at his elbow, and twisted his forearm. The inner gears rotated and turned until a click. Corbin removed his arm.

  "No Corbin," said Odder. "If you're doing what I think you are, then I can't accept it."

  "Karzan must not die in vain," Corbin said, placing his arm on Odder's severed limb.

  Electricity climbed Odder's skin. The obscure sensation left him confused, but he lifted his new hand and tightened his fist. He studied the movement of the inner gears. "I can feel every part as if it were my own flesh."

  "It's the magic lifeblood of the golems," Serra said. "Now let's talk about the plan."

  Aimma and Finkle looked at each other
with mixed expressions of cheer and heartbreak.

  "I must examine it," insisted Aimma, opening her satchel.

  "It's big. Can you manage it?" Finkle asked.

  Odder lifted the arm above his head, moved the fingers, and slapped Finkle on the back. "It's remarkably light and strong."

  "I'll say," said Finkle, rubbing his back.

  Everyone gathered around the fire to discuss the plan.

  Odder addressed the group. "There is something I have to say before we start."

  "Of course," said Aimma.

  "I am not the Champion, just a dying elf. My markings are fake, created with demon's blood. Destin showed me the same markings. He is the true Champion."

  Serra cleared the ground. "Sit down Odder. Destin is evil and evil lies. He will tell you anything to give you doubts. Remember your encounters with the demons? Rise above your uncertainties and let's focus on what we need to do. Does anyone have a clear idea of Skyger's layout and the location of the portal?"

  The group remained silent.

  "I do," Corbin said.

  "Well, aren't you full of surprises," said Finkle.

  Corbin helped Serra recreate the island of Skyger, its township and castle, and the location of the portal in the dirt.

  "Skyger is in the Seth-Gath mountain ridge, surrounded by water." Corbin pointed around the island. "The township was built on the sides of this dead volcano, but not in the center where the portal is located. This is sacred ground."

  "How do we enter?" asked Aimma.

  "We fly in, or we use the celestial bridge,” Serra said,

  “A magic energy bridge which vanishes during attacks," added Corbin.

  "So, we should assume there is no bridge?" Odder questioned.

  "Correct," replied Corbin.

  Serra pointed. "And here is the Onyx steeple where we rendezvous with Drugan."

  They discussed possible scenarios and consequences to formulate their plan.

  "Alright," said Finkle. "So not only do we have to fly in, once there, we have to take on, Queen Sorren, Prince Destin, the dragon, the shadow reapers, and not to mention the tens of thousands of goblins."

  "Yes," said Odder. "I see your point." He placed his fist against his lips and paused. “I can take Queen Sorren."

  "And I'll take out the Prince, gladly," said Serra. "The reapers can't cross water so let's hope they're absent."

  Finkle elbowed Aimma. "That leaves the dragon and goblins for us."

  She gave him a cold stare then spoke to the group. "I was talking with a Rigan guard before Serra found me. His name was Ostasis. He was looking for you, Odder. He said he wanted to apologize for not helping and your words moved him."

  "Perhaps, then, he will provide us with his warriors," said Odder. His spirits rising once more. "With Drugan's reinforcements and Rigan's warriors, we may have our army. Where can we find Ostasis?"

  "He's meeting us here in an hour," Aimma said.

  "Our plan might just come together."

  "In the meantime, you should practice conjuring magic with your new arm," Serra said.

  "Good point." Odder stood and followed Serra, but stopped and looked back at Corbin who rested near a tree. He walked up to the golem and held out his golden hand. Corbin grasped it with his right hand. "Thank you, Corbin. I will find a way to return your gift."

  Corbin whistled and nodded.

  Odder met Serra in a clearing.

  She threw him a rock. "Let's see how strong you are."

  He crushed it. Dust blew from in between his fingers.

  "Impressive." She threw him a rock bigger than his grip.

  "The first was easy. I'm sure this will be the same." He squeezed and grunted. He turned the rock and studied it then squeezed it again. "Grrr." He tossed it to the ground.

  "There are limitations to your strength. This is good to know." Now try conjuring a fireball with your left hand.

  Odder focused, and one appeared in his palm. He launched it at Serra's feet.

  She shielded her eyes from the explosion - dirt flying into her face. "Now you're showing off."

  They practiced many other spells, and Odder's new arm exceeded every challenge.

  "Odder and Serra," yelled Aimma. "Ostasis is approaching."

  They ran back to the group. With enthusiasm, Odder rushed to see Ostasis’s army, but when he arrived, he stood alone.

  "I was hoping to see your warriors," Odder said.

  Ostasis fixed his gaze on Odder's golden arm. "What happened?"

  Prince Destin sides with evil. He attacked us, killed Karzan, severed my arm, and took the Maha'De.

  "Perhaps you need more than an army."

  "The odds are against us, and we might lose," Odder said. "but if we don't try, then death is certain."

  Ostasis pursed his lips. "You are wise above your years, and your words from earlier, resonated with me, so I will help. I can only spare one hundred elves as well as transport to Skyger."

  "We need five thousand," Finkle interrupted.

  "It's better than nothing," said Odder. "Can we make it there by morning?"

  "Without a doubt." Ostasis waved his hand over his head several times. A fireball launched into the sky from the top of Rigan.

  Moments later, giant birds flew in from behind of the volcano.

  "Ten Rigan Falcons," Ostasis said, with pride, "carrying arks with eight elves each plus two foeriders saddled on the birds."

  The falcons swooped down and dropped off the arks then stood to the side, awaiting their commands. The arks resembled small flat-bottom wooden boats with giant crossbows mounted on each side.

  "Each fighter is armed with silq tipped arrows as well as their Rigan fire sticks."

  "Impressive," said Serra, with admiration.

  For the next hour, the group discussed their plan with Ostasis.

  "It's settled. We'll have a scout fly ahead to see if the goblins are waiting on the lakeshore or have already taken the island. We'll rendezvous at the Onyx steeple." Ostasis signaled one of the falcons to depart with an ark.

  The group boarded the ark, and as they soared, Aimma turned to Odder and whispered, "Let's pray Drugan comes through with reinforcements."

  ***

  The falcons flew their arks just above the pines. The first rider navigated while the second rider searched for foes and monitored the cloaking amulet.

  A black needle-like object, standing alone above the trees, came into view. “The onyx steeple,” mind whispered the foerider. The falcons descended toward a clearing.

  "No sign of Drugan," Finkle said.

  "Have faith," said Odder. "He may be on his way or hidden."

  "Odder," Serra interrupted, pointing toward smoky writing in the air.

  Odder, we are east of the steeple under a cloaking spell. ~ Drugan

  Odder notified Ostasis who directed the elves to land at the base of the Onyx steeple.

  Once on the ground, Drugan stepped out of the cloak.

  "Thank the Celestines," said Finkle.

  Odder ran and shook Drugan's hand. "I almost lost faith in you."

  Drugan gripped Odder's shoulder. "It's far better you have faith in the Celestines than me." He spotted Odder's golden arm. "Tell me that’s an extraordinary gauntlet and not what I think it is."

  "We were attacked by Prince Destin. He took the Maha'De, severed my hand, and..." Odder paused.

  "The Maha'De is with the enemy!" Drugan bared his teeth. "And what else. Speak up." Drugan looked around. "Where's Karzan?"

  Everyone lowered their heads.

  Drugan took a deep breath and held it for several moments before exhaling slowly. He squeezed his hands until his knuckles turned white. "The potion master and I have had many differences over the centuries, but I respected him. He was a great wizard."

  He cleared his throat. "Our priority is to get the Maha'De back. Without it, our world is doomed."

  "I'm sorry Drugan," said Odder, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I failed."r />
  "Put your head up lad. You haven't failed yet. Tell me what happened and what you learned."

  The group explained the details of the attack and what transpired afterward.

  Drugan peered back to Odder's arm. "So, this isn't a gift from Karzan?"

  "A gift yes but from Corbin." Odder bent his arm while moving his fingers."

  Drugan knocked on the hard metal and peered into its innards. "Amazing. Solid as elven steel but moves like flesh, and do you feel the moving gears inside?"

  “It feels natural,” said Odder.

  Drugan nodded, then wrapped his hands around Serra's shoulders and brought her in close. "Destin violated you in the vilest way a Xenduri can be." He looked into her eyes and then examined her markings. "Do you know our history?"

  "No, not really." Serra answered.

  "We were once the Eighth House with our magic affinity from the earth as well as the cool hue of Ophelia. After a millennium of wars against the goblins, our King made a discovery - a byproduct of discarded spoiled magic from the devastation of combat, death, and disease. He conjured a spell giving up our affinity to Ophelia in exchange for the rancid magic in hopes to make his people powerful enough to defeat the goblins." Drugan held out his arms. His markings danced in various patterns across his skin. "Unfortunately, his decision corrupted us and darkened our land."

  "Then it's true," Aimma said. "Evil does flow through your veins."

  "Yes, it is our curse, forever to be tempted by evil, but we do have a choice. We have free will to choose good." Drugan met eyes with Serra. "The Prince used this against you. On your next encounter, remember you have a choice."

  Serra gripped her dagger. "I will."

  Drugan glanced up at the Eye of Adeit. "We haven't much time. The Eye has nearly merged with Ophelia, and Kellas will soon join them."

  Odder waved for Ostasis to approach. "This is Ostasis, leader of the Rigan warriors."

  "Ostasis." Drugan bowed his head.

  "Drugan." Ostasis acknowledged. "I'm sorry for the loss of your king."

  "Thank you and for yours as well."

  "We have a hundred warriors and ten falcons at your command. We are waiting for my scout to return with an enemy report."

  "A hundred elves armed with your famous Rigan fire sticks?" Drugan asked.

  "Yes, my lord."