The Lost & Cursed

by Rina S Mamoon

  ***

  Riding back into the capital city, Mara noticed a new posting on the information board. A guardsman pinned it on, and then walked away while another spoke to the crowd.

  “As of now, all travel to Medulla is no longer advised.”

  A male citizen asked, “Why is that, sir?”

  “An unknown illness has taken the village,” according to the guardsman. “The Holy Blades are investigating. So far, Mirahyll is in no danger. There’s nothing to worry about.”

  Mara watched the crowd while riding towards the stables. She dismounted her horse and delivered the bounty to the Council Hall. She met the guardsmen, who escorted her to the chancellor’s office.

  “Ah, you’ve returned,” the chancellor said. “We were getting worried.”

  She was perplexed. “How long was I away?”

  “About three days,” he replied.

  To say the least, she was stunned. Mara didn’t think she’d be gone for that long. Davis eyed the bag. Mara noted his gaze and offered it to him.

  “Five werewolf heads.”

  Davis gazed at the bloody bag and gestured for a guardsman to take it. The guardsman took the bag from Mara and peered inside. After counting five heads, he gazed at the chancellor with a disgusted face and nodded. Davis nodded back, and then looked at her.

  “Very well.” He gestured for another man to step forward. This man handed a large bag of gold over to Mara. “That bag is worth five thousand gold. You’re more than welcome to count, if you wish.”

  “I’ll take your word for it. Thank you.” Mara accepted the payment.

  “Very good,” Davis said. “You may also keep the horse as well.”

  “Thanks,” she replied. Before leaving, there was something on her mind. “What’s going on with Medulla?”

  “Ah, so you’ve heard?” Davis questioned. “A few days ago, a villager from there came to warn us of an illness and asked for assistance. The Holy Blades are investigating.”

  Now that she remembered, Medulla was not too far from the Delta Farms. It explained why she encountered Commander White and the Holy Blades.

  “Okay,” Mara said. She didn’t think too much of it. There was no reason to stay any longer, so she turned around and left. Before leaving the Council Hall, she heard the chancellor call out to her.

  “Oh, and one more thing…”

  Mara turned around and looked at him.

  “Thank you for suggesting Talon,” the chancellor said.

  “So, you’re going to choose him?” Mara questioned.

  Davis nodded. “Talon might be a little rough around the edges, but he is pleasant to do business with. Some of our newest guardsmen are from the Silver Thorns and offered positive testimonies,” he said, and then cleared his throat. “As you mentioned, his weapons are not quite as elegant, but they are reliable and the price more reasonable. By going with him, we’ll save more money. It’s a good thing considering our current predicament.”

  “Is this about Corlin?” Mara asked.

  The chancellor nodded. “We used to have our weapons imported from there, since it was much cheaper and they could be mass produced quickly,” Davis said, and then he frowned. He revealed in a sombre tone, “We used to have more blacksmiths, but were often subjected to attacks and thefts, mostly from the Blackthorn Guild. Many closed up shop and went out of business.” He took a deep breath. “However, Edwin never had this problem and I believe it’s because his workshop is in the city. It’s more secure and the Blackthorns would never dare enter.” He then said reassuringly, “I’m sure it’ll also be the same for Talon.”

  “So, you’ve had issues with them?” Mara questioned.

  “We haven’t been able to do much about them,” the chancellor admitted. “They are always one step ahead of us. We wanted to act, but the Holy Blades are investigating and demanded we don’t get involved. So far, their investigation yielded very little.”

  A thought crossed her mind. “What about the Black Smoke? Didn’t they put a stop to this?”

  “Ah, so you’ve heard?” Davis asked. “The vigilante did a number on the Blackthorns. If left alone, the guild would’ve been decimated. However, damage to relations between Ardana and Corlin was already done. And not everyone saw the vigilante as a hero. The Faith sought to capture the vigilante for taking human lives and so they did. They held a private execution.”

  “Oh, I see,” she replied. The conversation ended and she left.

  ***

  Mara headed to Talon’s workshop to get her gear repaired. His workshop had been transformed since being approached by the chancellor to either forge new weapons or repair equipment for the Guardsmen. It looked more like a professional blacksmith’s forge compared to the dusty and run-down building Talon bought at first.

  “Well, you must be very busy.” Mara smiled underneath her mask.

  He smiled back at her and finished repairing all her gear. “I don’t know what you did, but it worked,” Talon said excitedly. “This is more than what I could ask for! How about I temper your blade for free? It’s the least I can do to thank you.”

  She accepted the offer and allowed him to upgrade her weapon. Talon grew silent while tempering her blade. It was brief, but he finished.

  “Thanks,” Mara said, grateful for his services.

  “Thank you,” he responded, passing the sword back to her. Sheathing her blade, Mara bid him farewell.

  Now that Mara had some time, she thought about seeing her parents. She knew where they lived. Within ten minutes she found her home. The wooden house wasn’t too big and was only two floors. The parents’ room was on the main floor while hers sat on the second floor. The window to her room was on the back of the house. Mara was both excited and nervous because she reached the cusp of one of her goals. But there were many obstacles that stood in her way, her appearance being one of them. She peered into her pocket and retrieved a healing stone. If she used one of these, at least Mom and Dad wouldn’t see a zombified version of their daughter. Still she only had two. And it wasn’t exactly the way she looked that concerned her. It was the fact that she was no longer human. Mara still had no idea how to tell her parents that she was an undying. This was her biggest secret to keep from her family.

  How would her parents even react? Would they accept her with open arms? Or would they drive her away and disown her? Mara didn’t know the answer to her questions, and that frightened her. In this world, monsters were bad and humans were good. Most had a black and white view. But for Mara, it wasn’t black and white, especially since she stood on the other side.

  If she found the next undying and obtained their soul, she could appear human. They would be none the wiser. While they were blissfully unaware, she could find the cure and everything could go back to normal. She should return to Harold because he probably found the next undying. At least she should let them know she was here. Mara didn’t have the keys to the house. She might have lost them when she ended up in the Dark Labyrinth. Before leaving, Mara wrote a note to leave at the door.

  “Hi Mom and Dad,” she read out loud while writing. “Wanted to let you know I’m okay, in case you heard anything happening to me. I’ll come back later.” She signed her name. Mara stuck the note on the door and left. She promised she’d return.

  Mara walked back to the stables and mounted her horse.

  On the way out, she rode by the other blacksmith’s shop. She heard a man shout before storming out. His fancy attire indicated a nobleman. The thin middle-aged man had a handlebar moustache and oiled hair slicked to the right. His hair looked unnatural, like he was wearing a toupee.

  “Really, you expect me to pay for this?” The noble sounded high-pitched for a man.

  Edwin emerged with a scowl on his face. “That’s the price,” he said in a cold tone. “Take it or leave it.”

  “Commander White was right about you. This is robbery! I refuse to buy anything from you ever again!”

  “That’s too bad�
�� Either you have the coin, or you don’t waste my time.”

  “Harrumph!” The nobleman stuck his nose up into the air and stormed away from the blacksmith. He noticed Mara and called out to her. “You there!”

  She gazed at him with a raised eyebrow. “Uh… Yes?”

  “You are an adventurer, are you not?”

  Mara shook her head. “No, I’m a hunter for hire.”

  “Well, I must warn you about Edwin. He’s a swindler and a crook! All his wares and services are far too overpriced.”

  She noticed the nobleman’s stance with his hands held behind his back. It was the same stance the commander and his father used as well. Mara reckoned it was a nobleman thing. She gazed at him. “I use Talon’s services for my stuff.”

  “Oh, you do? I’ve never heard of this Talon.”

  “He just set up shop after forging Silver Thorn weapons for twenty years,” Mara explained. “His weapons may look plain, but at least they are reliable and affordable.” She gestured to her blade. “He made my sword and it’s never let me down.”

  The nobleman looked at the sword. “I see,” he said, thinking out loud. “A reliable and decent weapon for a lower price. Plus, you save money which is a very smart thing to do. Perhaps I’ll look into this Talon?” He gazed up at her with a stoic face. “Thank you for your kind suggestion. I’ll consider spreading word among my peers.” Then he left.

  She looked on in surprise. Not all noblemen were bad.

  Edwin, on the other hand, was unpleased. “Great! I’ll lose even more customers. None of this would’ve happened if that damned Talon hadn’t come into my city!”

  Gazing at Edwin, Mara wasn’t deaf to his cruel words. “Excuse me?”

  Edwin glared back at her. “It was bad enough with the Guardsmen cancelling my contract. Had to raise prices on my weapons and services. Now thanks to you, I’ll have to raise them once again.”

  “That’s not fair!” Mara exclaimed. “How can anyone afford your weapons?”

  “Not fair? Not fair, you say? I have to make a living,” Edwin growled. With that, he stormed back into his shop. He scowled at her once more. “Since you caused me to lose more customers, you’re not welcome here! I’ll never sell my wares to you, not that you could afford them anyway.” He slammed the door.

  Mara was stunned at his behaviour, but decided not to dwell on it. She rode out of Mirahyll and returned to Grey Mountain.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Brain Drain

  Mara traveled up the path to Greyward Hold on November 27. So far the mare was cooperative, but seemed wary of these surroundings. Mara reckoned she had never been in these parts before. Still, the horse managed and they were fortunate not to encounter anything. They reached Greyward Hold by noon. On her way in, Mara spotted a carriage. Someone was visiting. She looked at the carriage in curiosity while approaching the hold. Leaving the horse at the stables, she walked in. Mara entered the great hall and saw the former master speaking with someone.

  Harold noticed her. “Ah, welcome back. It seems we have a visitor.”

  Mara looked at the short and round nobleman, recognizing his snow-white hair.

  “Mr. White, what are you doing here?” Mara questioned.

  The old man gazed back, looking very tense. “Oh, you’re here! That’s very good. We’ve a great dilemma on our hands.”

  She couldn’t help but feel surprised that he was looking for her. “What is it?”

  “Karl is in danger.”

  “What?” Mara asked, feeling perplexed. “Last I saw him, he was investigating an unknown illness in Medulla.”

  Mr. White shook his head. “It was all a ruse. The Holy Blades were lured into a trap.”

  Her confusion was replaced by shock. “What happened?”

  “They were swarmed and overpowered by the villagers, and taken to the Black Tower outside of Cerebell. One of them managed to escape and told the Faith.”

  Harold sighed and shook his head. “This is troubling news,” he said solemnly. “Anna must be behind this.”

  She looked at the former master in confusion. “Anna?”

  The old master nodded at her.

  “I came here, hoping you could help save him,” Mr. White said.

  She looked back at the nobleman, astounded that he wanted her to save the commander. “Why not send another group to rescue them?”

  The old man frowned. “We already have, but none returned.”

  Before she could say anything, the former master spoke up.

  “If you wish to save him, then you must know what you’re going up against.”

  Mara and Mr. White gazed at him.

  “Anna is a darkling who feeds on the brains of her victims,” Harold explained. “Her immense psychic powers allow her to enslave others, causing the abandonment of Cerebell long ago. We sealed her away to prevent her from harming more innocents, but her powers continued to grow. Somehow, the seal within the Black Tower is failing. If left alone, her reach could go beyond Medulla. I wouldn’t condone challenging her, not just because she’s a possessor, but I fear you’ll be no match.” He looked at Mr. White. “And I also fear the commander may be lost.”

  The former guild master walked away. Mara sighed.

  Mr. White looked at her with pleading eyes. “Please, save Karl. It could have been anyone.”

  She gazed at the old man. “It may be too late. He’s been there for a few days.”

  “I’d still save him. I won’t leave him in that wretched place.”

  She pondered his words. “Okay, but there’s something I need from you.”

  Mr. White’s face scrunched up in confusion, as if he never expected her to request a favour. “Okay, what is it?”

  “I’m looking for a way to remove my curse. I believe there’s a cure in Thoron, but it’ll be impossible to go. I need a passage.”

  Mr. White gave a sympathetic look. “And only the High Priestess can grant that,” he murmured. Then he gave a serious look. “I’ll see what I can do, but I want you to save Karl first.”

  “Okay, but if you fail to get me that pass, then I’ll demand full compensation,” Mara told him. “I won’t do this for free.”

  “Very well, please save him,” Mr. White said with a stern voice. Then he left.

  While preparing to leave, a thought emerged. Here she was, saving Commander White again. It was unusual Mr. White came to her. What was he planning? Well, it may bring her one step closer to removing her curse. Ready to go, Mara headed out.

  ***

  She approached Medulla by horse. Travelling there was pretty straight forward, although it took a day from Greyward Hold. On the same road as the Delta Farms, the village was just over yonder.

  As she approached the village, not a single soul was around. Mara dismounted from the horse and looked around. Within seconds, some villagers emerged from their homes. They slowly approached her, wielding farm tools or kitchen utensils like weapons. They shared a dark expression on their faces. These villagers did not look friendly. Realizing this, she unsheathed her sword and gripped it tightly.

  “Stay back,” Mara called. “Don’t come near me!”

  Her words fell on deaf ears. The villagers kept advancing towards her. Mara didn’t want a fight, but she might have no choice. All of a sudden, they froze like statues. Needless to say, she was confused. Mara walked up to the closest person—a man with a worn stained shirt and tanned leather pants. She stood right next to him. He didn’t react to her. She gave a light poke on his shoulder. He released a groan and crumpled to the ground. The others followed suit. She looked around in confusion. An entire village had been knocked out cold. Among the unconscious she found a man in golden armour—one of the Holy Blades. They were affected as well.

  At the corner of her eye, Mara spotted a lone figure still standing. Looking up, she saw a creature in front of her. She recognized the seven glowing eyes, tight dark armour, and red hood.

  “You!” Mara stood up and st
ared at her in shock.

  The Watcher remained silent while holding her arms out. She levitated in the air. Mara cautiously watched her and began to approach, but the creature disappeared in a flash of blue light. Left in her place was a strange device embedded in the ground. It looked like a metal staff with a glowing blue gem in it, resembling something old wizards use. Approaching the strange looking object, Mara reached out and touched it, but nothing happened. Knowing there was no time to waste, she moved on.

  Everyone remained unconscious. She suspected this to be the Watcher’s handiwork. Doctor Moen mentioned her psychic powers, but this was amazing. Looking to the Black Tower, Mara ran through the abandoned city of Cerebell. The Watcher also knocked out everyone in the area. Arriving at the main gates, they opened upon her approach. She looked around with caution and walked into the tower. On the way in, Mara noticed another one of those strange staves, but kept going. She had an important task to do. The long stone hallway was lined with prison cells with several corpses inside. Mara gazed to each cell, feeling uneasy about being in the hallway. She walked faster to get out sooner. She entered a large circular room with walls reaching high up. Mara stared up at the endless expanse of the room, unable to see the ceiling.

  “You’re too late.”

  Hearing her voice, Mara found the Watcher staring back at her.

  “You cannot fight Anna,” the Watcher warned. “You will die.”

  She stared at the creature. “I have to save him, even if it means dying. I can return to life.”

  The Watcher gazed at her, sitting in the centre of the room. Countless candles surrounded them. Beyond the candles were the stairs, leading further up into the tower.

  “You care about him,” the Watcher said.

  Mara’s face began to heat up. Great, another one noticed her ogling Commander White, but it wasn’t like that. “I have an agreement with his father. He’s going to help me get to Thoron, but only if I bring him back.”