WBM

  Chapter Two

  Odin's Favored Ones

  ~SV~

  Half Moon Bay’s Wharf, After Midnight, 677, 29th, October

  Sidonia’s dream-vision of the past continues … the dark girl has an odd smile on her lips. Strange, as she is very tense, upset, and lacking joy. Every fiber of her being is screaming, ‘Danger, flee him now!’ She looks around seeing nothing that would have caused her tension and knows of no reason to fear him. She stands, and is immediately dizzy, quickly grasping the back of the chair. Sidonia frowns at why she is so unsteady, looking at her cup with suspicion.

  The Princess is confused, as it is empty, ‘Odd, I only recall faking at sipping it. Oh, I must have changed my mind and simply forgot.’ Sidonia sighs, accepting that she is just tipsy. The dark girl mumbles, “It is time that I leave.” Kolo gives her a wave, saying, “I will see you in a few weeks.” Shaking her head, she is about to correct him, yet lies force their way out, “I am unsure when I can go or how long the search of Skull Island’s entire Castle will take.”

  She feels betrayed by her own utterance, ‘Why did I say that? I made up my mind, I am done looking for the book and do not want to go to the Hallowed Castle!’ Without intending to, she picks up the key, putting it in her bag before going to the hall. The girl’s own intentions now push through as the Dark Princess nears the door; she gets her break up letter from her bag. Her grin is cold, as she places it on the entry table. Vexed, she walks slowly into the dark village.

  The Princess enters the Bookshop through the back door. She purchases paper and paints for Viktor’s stories, placing them in her bag before she leaves. As the dark girl walks towards the Castle on the darkening streets, she senses someone is watching her. Sidonia turns, looking into the shadows, yet sees no one is around, and scoffs at herself, “I am acting paranoid, again.” Sidonia wishes she had confronted Kolo as she broke up, yet is glad she wrote the letter.

  The dark girl believes she was not brave enough to face him; it pushes her to be more determined not to seek the book, nor go to Skull Island. Her hair sways, she thinks it is strange, as there is no breeze; this is the first time it has happened. Near the Bookshop, Rorik uses a crystal to conceal himself; he sees Sidonia’s hair move and gasps in horror. Her older half-brother groans to himself, ‘Kolo! I was right she is involved with him, and Sidonia drank his blood!’

  He rushes into the Black Forest Bookshop, furious, ‘Mum’s hair moved after Kolo made her drink his blood. It is why Viktor’s hair moves too; Mother was pregnant with the little brat.’ Searching the bookshop he fumes, ‘The fiend tried to turn Mum; when Anthony realized he put the barrier over the Castle.’ Rorik does not find Kolo. He assumes, ‘Sidonia willingly drank his blood, just as she helped Kolo take Mum.’ Using a stone, he opens the Dark Door.

  Exiting into camp, in the Carpathian Mountains; Rorik hands Pam’s crystal and stone to her, paying for it as Pam asks, “Did you find him?” Rorik says, “No, I want to use your door again; please stay.” Pam sighs, “Sorry, I must care for my mum on Witch Island. You can ask at the Rambler Camp, near the Blue Moon Tavern.”

  ~*~

  God Realm, Odin’s Den, After Midnight, 677, 29th, October

  Trinity feels Odin’s tension and goes up the winding staircase toward her Father’s Tower Den, Knocking on the door. She hears him call out, “Come in Trinity.” She walks in with a smile. Odin is sitting in an intricately carved dark wooden throne; his massive Wolves are laying at his feet. Odin’s giant Ravens are perched on the tall spindles at either side of his overly large chair. Trinity greets them first, “Geri, Freki, Huginn, Muninn.”

  Odin chuckles at her greeting his pets rather than him. She smirks, “Father.” As she waits, he looks at her with curiosity, “How did you know I wish to speak to you?” His daughter smiles, “I started doing a Karma Spell each morning, to know when I am needed.” He asks, “Why is it Karma?” Trinity grins, “I choose not to be bothered by any who have selfish or petty needs; so it only makes me aware of the deserving ones. What can I do for you Father?”

  Seeing his reluctance, she playfully guesses, “Is it about ‘Odin’s Favored Ones’?” He knows it is what others mockingly call his Humans; Odin nods and smiles at her. Trinity adds, “You want to intervene, and yet you have told us not to be involved.” He gets a boyish grin; she laughs, “I can send what you see to an oracle, and keep my eye on her. I know of a powerful one in the Human Realm; the oracle was a topic of conversation.” Trinity shakes her head.

  His daughter says, “I have a dire feeling about her and intend to watch over Sidonia anyway.” Odin asks, “How was your Annual Grandess Gathering?” Trinity grins, “The usual, we are not needed for the middle discussion, and will return for the last of it. There was a bit that bothers me.” Odin blurs getting a drink, he offers the cup to her; she takes it to a seat by the table. He joins her there, “Please, tell me the concerning details I should know of.”

  Odin drinks, as Trinity says, “Anthony was asked to the Dark Elf Territory. Lilith saw him exiting Destiny’s Realm Gate.” Her father’s jaw tightens as he anticipates where this is going, sighing he mutters, “Can Lilith ever get over the fact that the Demons lost and just move on?” Trinity gives him a tired laugh, “Not likely, as I still sense Lilith’s desire for vengeance and think that we should be wary.” He sighs, “Do they ever see their own fault in that war?”

  Groaning Odin scoffs, “Rather than always seeking to get even?” She chuckles, “I doubt it. Ethereal then mentioned Anthony’s daughter, Princess Sidonia. She is turning sixteen and her Sight is nearly my equal, at that age. Regrettably she is unskilled in the Craft, it may have compared to my potions and spells at that time. Sidonia really would be a source of great power, and good influence, if she chooses to practice it.” Odin raises an eyebrow asking, “What else?”

  ~*~

  Lola finds Sidonia’s letter on the entry table, reading it. She brings it to Kolo, mocking her twin, “The Pretty Princess is stronger than you think. She just disobeyed your glamour to not ever break up with you again. What will you do to find the book, now?” He reads Sidonia’s letter, phasing with fury his dark eyes and bulging veins has Lola moving back, as Kolo spits, “She spilled the cup before drinking enough of my blood.” The Evil One yells, “I will ask the Prince to do it.” Lola frowns, “He is not old enough for this task.”

  She mocks, “And, Anthony will never allow him to go to Skull Island!” Kolo huffs, “No, her older half-brother, Rorik.” Lola says, “He is not a prince, as he is not Anthony’s son.” The Evil One sneers, “He is a Rambler Prince. His great grandmother is their Queen.” Lola muses, “So Sidonia and Viktor have royal blood on both sides. Are you willing to risk going to Witch Island to compel Rorik?” Kolo glares, “I happen to know that he is in this realm.”

  ~*~

  Trinity sighs, “Unfortunately, Ethereal’s slip got the Prison Realm Satans aware of Sidonia, and then they began warring with the Living Realms Mothers over who has jurisdiction to use Sidonia as their Oracle.” Odin states, “They should not tempt me.” Grimly, she adds, “My concern is that it will be another incident like Obsidian’s. We Heaven Realm Grandesses made it clear they are to leave her alone.” He groans, “You realize, you made it a challenge?”

  Nodding, Trinity admits, “Yes, afterwards; I doubt that I can prevent it, without watching over her. Do you approve?” He sighs, “Since Sidonia is a Mystical Being, it blurs my ruling. I will allow it on the condition that you do not set foot on Earth, nor use any influence on a Human.” She nods, “I promise. I can send what you saw to Sidonia, that way she will be aware of the trouble. I will also seek a way for Sidonia to interact with your ‘Favored Ones’.”

  Trinity adds, “She should be capable of finding a way to help them, so they avoid the fate you saw. What did you see?” Odin gives his hand to Trinity; preferring she does not hear fear in his voice by retelling it. He also believes this way is more accurate. His daughter takes hold, closing her eyes. Trinity gasps, “Oh dear, something about that storm does not seem normal.” He says, “I must prevent it.” She whispers, “Very suspicious that it hit only there.”

  Odin says, “That is what I felt as well. I have the right to intercede, if it is not their destiny. Will you seek their intended deaths for me? From the feeling I got, it is magical interference and I do not see who is behind it, yet.” Nodding, Trinity releases him, saying, “Odd I do not see who sent it either. I fear there are spells in place to block us.” Her father groans, “Which proves my suspicions. As it appears before them and leaves the moment they die.”

  Trinity asks, “May I use your gateway?” Odin waves his hand, sending his golden mist to the wall. There it forms a Light Gateway. She has not used his private Light Gateway before. His daughter adds, “I would use the Rainbow Bridge, but I prefer no one is aware of this.” She grins admiring the decorative stone that frames her father’s Human Realm Gateway. The colorful life-like figures move. A pretty woman rocks a babe in her arms, to the right.

  On the left side of the framed gateway, a male pats the head of a small boy who smiles. Trinity grins at her father’s choice of this loving image of a family. She goes inside, yet does not exit into the Human Realm, since it is forbidden. Standing within the gateway of that realm is all Trinity needs to seek a vision of the girl. Trinity says, “I will give Princess Sidonia the vision; hmm.” He asks, “What is it?” His daughter adds, “Sidonia is in a bit of trouble, already.”

  Trinity informs him, “The Oracle risked her own safety, to save a boy who was lost in the woods. It has greatly weakened her.” Smiling Odin replies, “I think I will like working with this Oracle.” The Grandess plans for the vision to arrive after Sidonia has had enough of a restful sleep, in hopes it will not weaken her. Tensely, Odin waits. The Grandess of the God Realm grins, “Well now, this is interesting.” Her father pries, “Tell me, what you see of her?”

  Trinity laughs, “It appears Sidonia is already having dream-visions of your youngest ‘Favored One’. In fact, they are due to meet soon. I will keep my eye on this and if you see more let me know.”

  Trinity’s vision of earlier that night, when Endora placed a charmed necklace on Sidonia, ends the Grandess’s ability to see her. Trinity decides how to work around the dark girl’s Protection; she calls on twenty-five crows in the Human Realm, sending them to find her.

  When the Crows find the Oracle, the Grandess sees through their eyes. Trinity sees that Sidonia is asleep in a Ferry. Cleverly, she causes a breeze to blow the dark girl’s hair. Trinity then has each crow catch a loose strand of Sidonia’s hair, and they bring it to her within Odin’s Gateway of the Human Realm.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  ~*~

  A wind causes the Ferry to rock, waking Sidonia, from her dream-vision of Kolo’s evil blood, Lola, and learning Rorik was spying on her. She realizes her refusal to seek the book caused Kolo to go ask Rorik. She is disappointed that Rorik’s actions of stabbing Mol, Kolo’s man, triggered Rorik’s Ramblers’ Blood Curse, to be a Wolf every Full Moon. She has a twinge of guilt, yet was unaware her decision would initiate Rorik’s actions and consequences.

  The next gust creates a wave, knocking the Ferry into the pier; startled she sits up. Sidonia is still docked at Half Moon Bay’s Wharf; no one is around, she relaxes. The night breeze blows her hood off, and the air lifts her hair. Even though dark, the Princess now makes out the Crows, circling above her. The Oracle is not frightened, knowing that crows are often willing help for good Witches, and she senses that these Crows do not have evil intentions.

  Sidonia believes the Crows presence is a harbinger. The Crows are warning her of danger nearing, it gives her dread at her dream-vision of Kolo’s Evil Blood, fearing what it may cause her to do. A silent tear falls; her pale white hands tremble with fear, as she pulls the hood back over her hair. Sidonia feels Kolo’s evil is inside her, the dark girl recalls, her mother had screamed at her, “It is your fault the January Man’s vile blood is in me! I feel it taking over.” Samala had yelled, “It is polluting my pure Oracle Blood!” Sidonia now knows what that feels like, calming herself, as her mum went mad with fear over being captured. Sidonia does not want the horrors at the Evil One’s hands to drive her insane too. She fears, ‘If Kolo finds me, his Blood Magic and powers will make me give him Father’s book! I am unable to fight his blood, just as it caused me to sleepwalk out of the Castle! I will still be forced into going to him!’

  She frets, “Even if my powers have grown enough to deny him, I cannot keep him from capturing me.’ Thinking of what sorts of tortures she might face, the Dark Princess seethes, “No. I am brave! The dream-vision shows I was braver than I knew! How many times did I break up with him, and say no?” Calmer and more determined, she vows, “I will never give him the book.” As the Crows fly off, she feels tired. Yet her mind is too awake.

  ~*~

  Warlock Camp, After Midnight, 677, 29th, October

  Prince Rorik exits the Hexing Hag’s Dark Door into her hut. Leaving the hut, he swallows staring at the metal embellishments on their clothing. Rorik gasps, “This is a Warlock Camp.” He is both excited and fearful, as he always wondered about them. Following the old Hag, he sees Jacque goes to a stream, where she strips. The Prince backs up feeling hesitant of her motives as she gets into the water; then sees the old Hag groans with pleasure.

  Jacque says, “Tis a hot spring, get in.” He is glad for dusk, as he strips and sets his clothes in a pile over his boots. Walking into the stream, Rorik sits and groans too, feeling the heat easing his aches from digging graves all day for the hag. He now sighs and leans back against the rock wall, his eyes drift closed. He falls into a half sleep, no longer caring about a Dark Door to the Black Forest nor his Mother’s wishes, wanting him to catch up with Sidonia.

  A Warlock girl asks the Old Hag, “Can I get you food or drink?” The metal spikes in the girl’s hair remind the Prince of his mum’s porcupine quills, which she had often worn holding her dark locks in a crown upon her head. It gives Rorik a rush of sadness, mixed with guilt, as he is no closer to getting to Sidonia and the book, nor saving his mother. He blames the Hexing Hag who has trapped him here; uncertain he will ever get away from her.

  Jacque replies to the girl, “We will take a couple of bowls of stew and two mugs. Put it on me tab, me will pay it in full, once me am dressed.” The girl nods and leaves. Rorik asks the Hag, “How long are we staying?” The old Witch points to the men stringing a rope between trees. Prince Rorik looks, as she states, “Appears they are preparin’ for a fight.” Rorik is fearful, “Should we leave?” She scoffs, “Nah, silly. Tis bettin’ matches. Me can make coin here.”

  She snorts, “If they allow me ta put up a table of me wares. Me just hopes they do not charge me or are at least reasonable.” Jacque returns, dropping her cloak, and gets back in the hot water, groaning at the pleasure. She tells Rorik, “Me gots consent ta sell here.” Me has ta pay, but always have a big crowd, so me hopes tis worth it.” A Warlock boy asks, “Want your clothes cleaned?” Jacque looks at Rorik saying, “Guess ya earned it in te graveyard today.”

  She gets his coin bag from her cloak. The Hexing Hag is careful so Rorik does not see it, as she pays the boy, and tells him, “Bring us towels and robes. Set our clothes in me hut, before te fights tis over.” He grins, “I will.” She says, “Thank you, Timothy. Rorik grabs his groin wrap, putting it on and is surprised by her kindness to the boy. Once she hides Rorik’s coin bag under a rock by the shore, she gets back in. Tim takes their clothing and leaves.

  Others now climb in the hot springs, sitting nearby, on the stone ledges. The girl brings their bowls and drinks. The Prince eats it nervously, watching the crowd, then hears them talking of the fights. A tall man says, “I am betting on Rot, the Warlock is done.” Rorik finishes his food; interested in the fights, he moves nearer. A dark man scoffs, “My coin is with Fury, the Warlock shall pulverize your Necromancer!” Tim returns with towels and robes.

  Jacque gets out, drying herself off, she puts on the robe. She gets the Prince’s coin bag, putting it in her robe pocket. The Hexing Hag then says to Rorik, “Me gonna gets me table and wares set up; me will send for ya if me needs ya. Me will sell in front of me hut. Come ta me when done soakin.” Rorik is surprised she did not demand he help her. The old Witch knows and says, “Ya will just be in me way.” As the girl comes by, he accepts another drink. The Prince smiles at the idea of the Hag paying for all of it.

  ~*~

  Trinity conceals the Crows in the green crystal bracelet on her arm; she prefers to have no one see them. Curious, Odin comes into the gateway to look at Sidonia, he says, “Odd, I cannot read her.” Trinity replies, “She was just gifted that charmed necklace after finding the lost boy. I only saw her past, and what she saw in her premonitions.” Her father has a suspicion and asks, “What sort of interaction did you see that she had with my young favored one?”

  His daughter laughs, “What Sidonia saw of him was brief; yet, it had been a premonition of her future more than his, where she has feelings of love for him.” Odin states, “You need to make certain his bloodline remains clean of her Dhampirica blood.” Trinity scoffs, “If it is love you should not interfere. I will not do it for you either. I am surprised you would be prejudiced against an Oracle; and Anthony’s daughter?” Odin replies, “I did not say I was against her.”

  Trinity demands, “Just tell me why.” He chuckles, “I happen to know that his male bloodline shall be great and very important to the survival of many. Yet as a human, not as a dark being, that should live in the Mystical Realm. I sense one day I will be forced into moving more mystical beings there.” Trinity’s eyes glow with a golden mist with gold runes within, as she seeks the favored one. She says, “I sense he will be great because of Princess Sidonia.”

  Her father reminds Trinity, “I said his bloodline, not just him.” Trinity pauses, adding, “Rather than him being diverted by her; I see that she shall save him from his own darkness. I sense if you obstruct her, in order to save him, it shall instead cause his doom; this vision is not just about that storm, either. I warn you; it will be a very dark fate. With no bloodline, if you stop her! Oh, your fear is right, they were not destined to die on the ocean.”

  Odin questions, “Will he have Human children, if I allow her to stay with him?” His daughter replies, “Yes, she will prevent others’ deaths as well. Sadly, Sidonia is likely to give her life for him.” Odin smiles, “Good.” Trinity comes out of the Gateway and he closes it with a wave of his hand. Trinity stands with her arms folded, tapping her foot, “I will only help you… if you promise to not interfere with her destiny. Do not make me go against you on this father.” Odin nods his agreement, so Trinity leaves.

  Yet, her father has not changed his mind, as Odin knows more about his Favored Ones, than he hopes Trinity ever will.

  ~*~

  Princess Sidonia’s vision has revealed the details of Kolo’s evil blood. The vision also confirms other suspicions, ‘I know why I sought the book now, even after deciding I did not want to. Kolo Skotadi’s evil blood forced me to find its hiding place, to take my father’s book and bring it to him. Had he not exposed himself, I would have given him the book, never realizing how deadly he might become. I am afraid Kolo’s Blood Magic is stronger-.”

  She groans, “-than my current ability to deny him!’ Her hand comes to her throat. The dark girl gasps, “I can still feel the Evil One’s grip on my neck, as though he is still holding it!” Her hand slides down onto the Copper choker with Opal Gems and the dangling Black Tourmaline Stone; sighing with relief, “I forgot, I have some protection now. As long as the Evil One’s men do not find me, I should be safe from Kolo. I hope Donatello’s stabbing Lola keeps her gone, and that Kolo is too weak to come for me.”

  She prefers to think of the Lake Bled Ramblers Clan, than of Kolo. She agrees with her Dragon Bracelet’s advice; it is dangerous to go to Lake Bled. As Sidonia lays down, she decides her vision had not intended her to prevent the Warg; she had no way to warn the Lake Bled Ramblers in time. Sidonia wonders how to help them. Hoping for inspiration, Sidonia falls back asleep.

  ~*~

  Trinity enters her Craftroom, locking the door. She pulls out the twenty-five crows; each Crow still holds a strand of Sidonia’s hair in their beak. Trinity’s brilliant golden mist with green sparkles and golden runes comes to do her bidding as it covers the Crows, while she chants and casts her spell;

  I imbue you, my faithful Crows of all good Witches.

  My mist sews Sidonia’s hair into you like stitches.

  When I call you, let me see her, through your eyes.

  Alert me if she is harmed, in danger, or might die.

  With Sidonia Vlasac in your blood, be true and aware.

  Be faithful to her, act as her familiars, always with care.

  The Grandess instills within the Crows the abilities to track the Dark Princess, as well as giving them a sense of what she is doing and why. Once finished, Trinity puts the Crows back into her green crystal bracelet and changes the crystal cuff into a note. She calls forth her Missive Messenger from the tattoo on her arm, giving it the note-looking-green crystal bracelet. She opens her Light Window Gateway, sending her Messenger into the Human Realm.  Trinity watches through her eagle’s eyes within the open Window Gateway as her golden eagle flies over Sidonia; Trinity releases the Crows from the note. The imbued crows fly to settle in the trees around the bay, and watch over Princess Sidonia Vlasac. Trinity’s Missive Messenger returns and she closes her Window Gateway. The Grandess changes the note back into her green crystal cuff on her arm. Trinity grins, “It shall be easier to watch her now.”

  She then opens the Window Gateway and sends her gold eagle into the Human Realm. Her eagle will watch and bring her knowledge of what the Crows learn about Sidonia.

  ~*~

  The Warlock girl wades into the river with refreshments. She wears a short, men’s-length, above-the-knee tunic, giving him a fresh drink and taking his empty cup and bowl. It distracts Prince Rorik from the guilt of enjoying himself, instead of finding Sidonia and the book as his Mother asked. He notices even the Warlock women wear small weapon-shaped chokers and necklaces. Tiny non-sharp blades also adorn their rings and bracelets.

  Several of their pins look like daggers or axes that hold up the drape of the gown at their shoulder; some have them on their belt buckle. Rorik likes the ones shaped as swords that the men wear. He eagerly enjoys the strength of their drink. Foolishly trusting it, without asking what they were offering him. Rorik notices the new taste; it is a licorice flavor with a sweet flower and honey. Assuming it is safe; he fails to consider that they are accustomed to drinking it.  His attention is on men raking the ground, clearing the rocks, and shoveling sand, in the circular area. He grins as they prepare the large area in the center of the roped off trees; Ramblers just hold their fights in a meadow. He is excited for the opportunity to watch a Warlock fighting match. Jacque is nearby telling groups of her poison and jars. The Hexing Hag sees the Prince’s joy. Suspicious, she walks back over to warn Rorik, “Do not t’ink of runnin’ off! We are now’ere near me Pitsville Shack nor te Black Forest.”

  The old Witch threatens, “Ya will get lost; t’en me will know and me hex will make yer pecker fall off-.” Rorik cuts in angrily finishing her threat, “And my balls will shrivel up. Trust me, I did not forget your Hex and the all too vivid threats it included. I am content to stay here, and soak in the hot water.” She leaves and he glances at the cliff walls and tall trees that are on both sides. The moon has not risen over them, yet the area is bright with torches.

  Rorik gasps as another fighter walks into the Warlock Camp with his group. He is stunned to see it is the Necromancers, the Prince cannot believe his luck to be here for this fight. Unlike the Warlock Cauldrons whose doors are near camp, the Necromancers walked uphill, as their Dark Door is below. The Necromancers have black around their eyes, like the Warlocks, yet the Necromancers wear light gray face paint, so it is easy to see the difference. While excited Rorik also feels nervous, and trapped in the pooling stream.

  ~WBM~