Odder The Demon Hunter - The Blood Curse

“Why won’t you tell me?” Aimma asked while tugging at Odder’s tunic.

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

She crossed her arms.

Except for an awkward stare from a guard, Odder, and Aimma casually traveled through the hall and back into Odder’s room with ease.

“Now will you tell me? I want to hear everything,” asked Aimma.

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, and then I can conjure magic.”

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

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

She scratched her head and pouted her lips. “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.

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

“He said my eyes would boil if I gazed at him, so I looked down. I did see his snake-like tail, but it was translucent and ghostlike.”

“Hmm, sounds like his magic essence.”

“Magic essence?” he questioned.

“Yes, every creature has a material body, a magic 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 could have been so immense that it would have blinded you.”

Odder glanced down. “There’s something else. 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 loud knocking pounded on the door. “Odder, 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?” Destin asked then fixed his gaze at Aimma. “Oh.” He raised a brow. “You have company.”

“Just a healer my lord.”

“Yes, we met during your recovery.” Destin 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.” He walked in with another elf following.

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

Destin narrowed his eyes. “Drugan’s taking care of him, but we can talk more about it after the games.” 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. “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 wizard in the games.”

Britt matched Destin’s height, but with a smaller build. He had long thick hair and his bangs cut to a point. He dressed in a simple brown cloak and had two wands holstered in his leather belt.

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

“Aimma,” she said, staring at his strong defined features.

“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 an example of another arrogant elf who used his position to woo the maidens. He was surprised Aimma fell under his spell. 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.

“Thank you, Prince Destin,” she interrupted.

Odder sneered, feeling resentment toward Britt.

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

“Until tonight.” She giggled.

Destin walked out of 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.

Aimma grinned from ear to ear. “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 then why does he need two wands?”

She giggled while twirling her finger in her hair. “What an honor to be invited. How do I handle myself with such honored guests?”

“I’m sure the King’s tailor will have a great outfit to help you blend in.” He held open the door. “This way fair maiden.”

“Alright, you can turn around now,” Aimma said in a nervous tone.

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

“Well, how do I look?”

He stood motionless.

“Odder?”

“Incredible.” The word managed to escape his mesmerized mouth. Her 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. “The mask is adorable.”

“It’s a catskill. Grrr… It’s meant to be fierce.”

She chuckled. “Scary.”

“A catskill, bonebear, or lemkey mask were the 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 and joined a small crowd in the foyer. From exotic animals to bizarre creatures, Odder observed 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 that projected off 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’, 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 pork, and lamb 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 slight sarcasm.

“He admired my costume.”

“I bet he did,” he said, avoiding eye contact. “I have to check in. You can wait for me at the spirits table.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Sure.”

He made his way between the guests, looking for the head steward, but collided into Drugan. Odder fell on his bottom. “Pardon me, my lord,” he said, scampering to his feet.

Drugan bent forward and gave Odder a heartless stare. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?” he asked, his voice cold and raspy. His breath smelled like ash, which made Odder shy away.

“The head steward,” Odder answered.

The Xenduri straightened his posture and adjusted his cloak. “In the kitchen.” He pointed the way and continued walking.

Without hesitation, Odder searched for the head steward in 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 toward a stylish elf surrounded by several exotic dressed females. “Acknowledge your presence, stay close, and care to 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 lassie’s, and get more wine.”

“Perhaps you should pace yourself, my lord.”

“What?” The Prince aggressively leaned toward Odder. “Are you questioning me?”

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

The Prince furrowed his brows. After a long pause, he grabbed Odder’s cheeks and laughed. “You are a well-trusted servant. 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 all laughing. “He’s back,” said 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 dressed in his same cloak as earlier but wearing 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 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 flox mask stepped onto the stage. He lifted a megaphone up to his lips. “Honored guest, I present King Gralon, ruler of the House of Elestus.” Odder recognized the voice as the Archwizard.

The guest cheered and clapped.

“Welcome, welcome,” said the King as he stepped from behind a royal red curtain, and into the applause. He raised his arms. “Honored guest, 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 his arms 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 and their wizards 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 turned her mask up. “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, seven Princesses from each House entered the dance floor. The first being the Princess from Rigan. She donned a radiant red dress with flaming wings that followed her movements. A red silk mask covered her face, but exposed her, black as coal, eyes.

The maiden from Salutaria followed with a leafy wooden mask. She dressed in hunter green 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 in the sea. Her mask resembled a seahorse.

Next, the maiden from Gelusador glided across the floor leaving a path of ice. Her hair midnight blue appeared to be stiff and brittle. Solid ice covered her face while the rest of her skin was pale blue like that of our second sun. Her dress only covered 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, which fit her flamboyant personality. A simple rust-colored mask covered her eyes.

A crackling sound of electricity filled the room as the maiden from Skyger approached. She wore a simple but elegant black dress with a 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 tall heel 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 gave a quick wink to Prince Destin and blew him a fiery kiss that traveled across the room. 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 gallivanted to the Rigan Princess.

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

She bowed. “Of course, my lord.” He took her hand and escorted her to the center gala.

Odder felt as if the joy left him. 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 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. Her auburn hair covered her shoulders and neck. She wore matching red gloves that covered her arms, which stopped above her elbows. A translucent red cape flowed behind her.

“Excuse me?” Odder questioned, defiant.

“You elves, with so much misery and desolation in the land, have these lavish feasts.”

“I don’t believe it’s wasteful, and each Princess is wearing a costume that represents the magic essence of their House.” Who invited this guest? He thought. But her voice sounds familiar. Wait, no… He glanced at her piercing light blue eyes through her sparkling red mask. “Serra?”

“Hello, again Oddy.” She smirked.

“I didn’t recognize you.”

“Is it the costume?”

“And the red hair.” Odder pointed out.

“Do you like it? I thought it matched my shoes.”

Odder blushed. “Yes… But besides the costume, how did you get in?”

“Let’s just say that I’m very good at whispering.”

He tilted his head. What is she talking about?

Serra grinned. “Oddy, you really are clueless.”

“Whispering?” Odder asked, still bemused.

“Mind whispering. It’s a spell.” She mumbled words to a servant across the room.

The servant approached and handed her a chalice, then walked off.

She leaned in and spoke softly to Odder. “See mind whispering. I can plant a thought into the mind of others.”

“Oh,” Odder said, raising his eyebrow.

She turned back toward the dance floor. “Look at your master, dancing around in his own smug sense of self-worth, and those lassies, falling for his arrogance. They wear thousands of precious jewels, flaunting their exotic fabrics, every move is proper, yet they live as slaves.”

“Slaves to what?” Odder countered. “They’re royalty.”

“Slaves to their power and greed.”

He shook his head. “It doesn’t sound like you want to be here.”

She focused on the Prince. “Oh, I do. Very much so.”

The song ended, and Destin, Britt, and Aimma came back to the table.

Destin pushed Odder aside and took Serra’s hand. “You are quite stunning. Have we met?”

She tipped her head and grinned. “Our paths might have crossed.”

“You do look familiar, but I’m sure I would remember such beauty.”

“Perhaps we can find out over the next dance, my lord.”

“Perhaps the Prince would prefer a drink instead,” interrupted Odder.

“I believe the Prince has more on his mind than wine,” said Britt, with a mischievous grin.

Aimma pulled Britt’s arm and gave him a bitter glare.

“What?” Britt asked. His expression blank.

“Yes, two drinks Odder,” said the Prince. “One for me and one for the beautiful . . .”

“…Catina,” Serra said.

Catina? Really?. What’s she up to? Odder thought.

“That is a lovely name,” said the Prince.

“My lord you seem a bit…” She ran her finger up his chest and under his chin. “… hot from your dance. Would you care to take a breather for a moment on the balcony?” Serra asked.

“Sounds like a spectacular idea.” Destin grabbed the two drinks from Odder and headed toward the west balcony with Serra following.

“Aimma can I speak with you…” Odder tugged at her arm. “Alone for a moment?”

Britt sneered and stepped up in front of Aimma.

She raised her brow and stood. “Now Britt.” She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Please excuse me.”

Britt stepped aside.

Odder pulled her away from the table, nearly giving her whiplash.

“What’s so important?” she asked.

“She’s here.”

“Who?”

“The lassie in red.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “She looks proper to me.”

“It’s Serra.”

“The dark elf? What, how did she get in here?”

“I don’t know, but she’s very interested in the Prince.”

“Well everyone can see that.” She turned back toward the spirits table. “I’ll get Britt.” She paused with her mouth opened. “Except that he’s dancing with that frigid Princess from Gelusador.”

Odder cringed. “Forget him. We have to let the Prince know.”

“We should tell the guards?”

“No, that would embarrass him. You know how arrogant he is.”

“We just can’t go barging out there,” she said. “We need a reason and a plan.”

Odder tapped the side of his head. “Wine, we will bring him wine.”

“Brilliant, you can tell he loves his liquor,” she said.

Odder and Aimma attempted to evade the dancing guest as they headed toward the balcony. “We’ll have to walk in front of the King.”

As they approached the royal table, a heated dispute arose between King Gralon and King Kesis of Skyger.

“You will give me answers!” Kesis stood and walked out the room with his retainers.

The music stopped, and the crowd went silent.

King Gralon stood and held out his hand. “Just a minor dispute between Kings.” He waved to the harps. “Play.”

The music started, and the guests went back to their festivities.

Odder whispered in Aimma’s ear. “Do you think the argument was about Edan.”

Aimma nodded.

They continued until they reached the balcony.

“More wine?” he asked as he pushed open the doors and entered the balcony. Aimma dropped her chalice.

“My lord!” Odder said, bemused.

The clear night sky allowed the dull blue light of Ophelia to shine on Elestus and revealed a shimmering silhouette of the Prince and maiden.

“Thiss, doess, not, concerrrn, you…”Serra said as she tried to escape the Prince’s grip.

He stood over her, one hand tight around her neck, and the other holding her wrist to keep back her arm. “Stay out of this Odder,” Destin said, in a merciless tone.

He pushed her against the balcony wall. A metal stiletto fell to the ground and rolled to Aimma’s feet. Serra head-butted the Prince and flung her elbow into his face causing him to release his grip and stumble back a few steps.

“Aimma, get the guards!” Odder said.

“No!” said the Prince. He regained his hold. “This is between this witch and me.”

“But master.”

Aimma picked up the stiletto and tucked it under her dress. She pulled Odder back toward the door.

Destin and Serra continued to battle as if in a chess game trying to outmaneuver each other. She struggled, breaking free a few times, but never for long. He snared her back and lifted her above the wall overlooking the courtyard by her throat, her feet dangled in midair. Both of her hands gripped his wrist, her nails tearing into his skin.

“Farewell witch,” he said, as he let go.

“No!” screamed Odder. He ran to the edge and reached into the air. He watched her fall as if time slowed to a snail’s pace. Black smoke formed around her, hiding parts of her body. He expected to see her panicked face but instead witnessed her serene expression. She opened one eye and winked just before she completely vanished into the smoke, and the smoke disappearing into the darkness.

Aimma pulled Odder from the edge. A painful lump formed in his throat, and he stared down at his feet.

“She’s gone,” Aimma said.

“Of course, she is,” Destin said. “That witch will no longer be a nuisance.” He waved his hand over his wounds and healed his injuries.

Odder stood motionless.

“I’ll get the guards,” Aimma said, making her way toward the door.

“No,” Destin grabbed her arm. “I’ll have Britt retrieve her body. I do not need any added attention and security. Nothing must interfere with tomorrow’s games. Is that understood?”

With reluctance, Odder and Aimma nodded.

The doors burst open. “There you all are.” Britt stumbled in swinging a bottle of wine.

“Ah, my companion wizard. Your timing is perfect,” said the Prince. “I hope it’s just as good on the field tomorrow.” He laughed and wrapped his arm around Britt. “Let’s leave these two love birds. I have a very cold-blooded maiden to introduce you to.”

Britt gave Aimma an arrogant wave as Destin escorted him back in.

Aimma scowled as they both left. “Charlatan, I thought he didn’t drink.”

Odder collapsed to the ground. “I watched her fall.” He rubbed his eyes, then ran his fingers through his hair. “Why did the Prince attack her?”

Aimma sat next to him. “It did seem odd. Perhaps the only choice the Prince had was to send her to her death.”

“Death?” Odder remembered Serra’s wink as she fell. “No, I have a feeling she’ll be back.”

She frowned and pulled the hidden stiletto from her dress. “Look at this Odder.” He did not respond. “This is a stiletto used by assassins.”

He gulped.

She nudged it into his hands. “She’s not innocent.”

He clutched the weapon. “Is that what she wanted to do? Assassinate the Prince?”

Aimma held his hand. “It makes sense.”

Odder ran his fingers along the cool metal while he gathered his thoughts. “That’s why she wanted me to get her into the masquerade ball.”

“She’s a dark elf. They are a selfish and miserable race, never to be trusted,” Aimma said.

“I ran into Drugan, another dark elf. Do you think he had anything to do with this?” Odder asked. He felt doubt and confusion festering inside of him. “And what about the High Wizard Edan?”

“Let’s not jump to conclusions. He is one of the most trusted servants of the King.” Aimma stood and encouraged Odder to get up. She grabbed the stiletto and hid it once more. “Let’s go in. I’ll chat with the head steward and have you excused. We can talk more about it in a less public area.”

The head steward allowed Odder to leave his duties. As Aimma escorted him out, he stared one last time at the guests. A hollowness filled his chest, his senses became dull to the music and laughter, and he watched the Prince dance, flirt, and carry on as if nothing happened.

“Odder,” Aimma said, snapping him out of his trance. “Let’s go.”

Each step echoed in the silence as they walked to his room. She stopped at his door, her eyes somber. “Do you want to talk?”

“I don’t think I can right now.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Can we talk tomorrow?”

She frowned but nodded. “Sure. I’ll let the gatekeeper know I’ll be back in the morning.”

He glanced away. “I’ll feel better after some sleep.”

Aimma stepped back. “Good night then.”

“Sure,” Odder said, closing the door.