Odder The Demon Hunter - The Blood Curse

Odder jumped into Finkle, pushing him into Serra’s arms.

“Now, that’s what I’m talking about.” Finkle stared up at Serra with a captivated grin.

She dropped him.

“I meant that for Odder of course.” Finkle winked.

Serra bared her teeth.

Aimma pushed Finkle aside and patted Odder on the back. “You did it!”

Odder stood, brushed himself off, and took a deep breath.

“You did well, Oddy,” Serra said. “We could see everything.”

“Indeed lad, indeed.” Karzan approached, with a wide grin. “You defeated your first demon. How do you feel?”

Odder sat at the table. He moved his head from side to side, making a cracking sound each way. Aimma handed him a drink. “I do feel different.” He took a sip. “Stronger.” He tossed the cup, looked at his hand, and made a tight fist. “Confident.”

Serra, Aimma, and Finkle stood back.

“My wand.” Karzan pulled it from his cloak. A soft blue glow illuminated the room. “Hold it.”

Odder hesitated but then grabbed the base. The glow dimmed, the others leaned in.

“The light didn’t diminish,” said Finkle.

Odder moved the wand in the air. “Does this mean-”

“Yes,” Serra said, “Your curse is breaking.”

Anticipation bubbled inside of him. He glanced at his poisoned veins. A few of them receded. He let out a deep hardy laugh and flicked the wand. “How do I cast a spell?”

Karzan seized Odder’s hand and took the wand with his other hand. He pulled Odder in close at studied his markings. “Look at the poison. It’s still spreading. You have not yet broken the curse and wielding magic is still premature.” He gazed back at Odder’s wooden sword.

Odder followed Karzan’s stare and became aggravated. He pursed his lips. His forehead wrinkled as he tried to pull free. Karzan tightened his grip, then reached, and unsheathed his sword.

He let go of Odder. “Only one weapon can destroy demons.” He held up the sword and read the inscription. “Spirit.”

“Is it the Maha’De?” Serra asked. She walked up and rubbed her fingers across the smooth wooden surface.

“I believe it is,” answered Karzan. ““Now do you see, Odder. Only the Champion can wield the Maha’De.”

Odder recalled the feeling of holding the sword. How its power coursed through his body, and the confidence he gained after defeating the demon of self-loathing.

“But it’s made of wood?” Finkle said, scratching under his chin. “Shouldn’t it be made of steel?”

“Where did you get it?” Aimma asked.

“I don’t know. I was young and lost in the woods. The Prince found me with it strapped to my back. Can I have it back now?”

“I don’t detect any unusual magic,” Karzan said, adjusting his spectacles.

“We witnessed its power through the looking glass,” said Serra. “Only the Maha’De is that powerful.”

Everyone stood in silence and stared at the sword.

“Spirit,” Odder said. “Maybe it’s only part of the sword.”

“Brilliant.” Karzan pounded his fist on the table several times. “Of course. What better way to hide such a powerful magic item?”

“And how is that?” Finkle asked as he blew his tassel out of his face.

“By removing the spirit, in physical form, from the sword.” Karzan held up the sword. He examined the wood, the writing, and the grain. “Yes, I’m sure of it. Separated, no one can identify its true purpose, but together…” He placed his hand alongside the wood and created a flame that traveled up to the tip. “…The power is revealed.”

With his eyes coveting, Odder reached for the sword. “It’s mine.”

Karzan pursed his lips and handed it back. The flames died as Odder gripped the handle.

“I suppose the question then is, where is the other piece?” Serra asked.

Karzan sat at the table with everyone joining him. “Do you recall seeing the other half of the sword, being drawn to an object, or having a feeling that you need to go to a particular area?”

Odder squinted, rubbing his temples. He sighed. “Sorry, nothing.”

Karzan tapped his fingers on the table. “Alright. Enough for tonight.” He stood. “Rest well. Tomorrow you take on Bilusund, demon of wrath.”

Odder rolled onto his back and opened his eyes. Three figures stood above him. “Ahh!”

“Calm down, laddy,” said Finkle, snickering.

“Why are you three hovering over my bed?”

“It’s morning.” Aimma said handing him a hot cup of warung. “New light, and we’re anxious to see if you can conjure any spells.”

“I still have to break the curse,” said Odder.

“Just get up.” Serra yanked his covers off. “We want to teach you some spells. You might actually learn something plus save your life.”

Odder took a big swig of the drink and wiped his lips. “Alright, where to?”

“Ha, pay up gnomie.” Serra held out her hand.

Finkle took off his fez, reached in and pulled out a ducket. He reluctantly gave it to Serra.

“Did you just make a bet on me?” Odder asked, annoyed.

“Yeah, and I lost,” Finkle said. “I thought for sure you would avoid any lessons on magic.”

“That might have been true a few days ago,” Odder stood and put on his boots, “but things have changed.”

“The oak tree,” Aimma interrupted. “Let’s practice there.”

“Perfect,” replied Serra.

Odder watched the wind dance over the blades of grass. The tips moved into a peculiar pattern as if the wind had an agenda, a plan, a purpose. “The wind, it seems different today?”

Serra placed a target on the tree. “Without an intimate relationship with magic, in a way, you’ve been blind all your life. As your ability to wield magic strengthens, I’m sure everything will seem different – more alive.”

“Let’s start with a basic healing spell,” said Aimma.

“You’re joking,” Serra said, as she picked up several rocks. “He needs to start with a basic attack spell.”

Aimma gave Serra a harsh stare. “It’s a necessity. Right Finkle?”

“Huh… well, they both um…” He pulled at his collar, “are necessary. Um, how about speaking to trees?”

Serra and Aimma rolled their eyes.

Odder interrupted, “I want to learn how to heal myself. Let’s start there.”

Serra’s smirk shifted into a stern growl. She threw her rocks at Odder’s feet. “Have fun trying to heal yourself when trolls are ripping off your limbs because you couldn’t fight them.” She walked off.

“Wait Serra. I just think a healing spell should be…”

She vanished into a dark haze.

“…my first spell.” Odder scowled. “What’s her problem?”

“What would you expect from a dark elf?” responded Aimma.

“I think she’s heavenly,” said Finkle, with a smitten grin.

Aimma shook her head. “Definitely not your type, gnome.”

“There you are, Odder,” said a voice, from behind the group.

Startled, Odder turned. “Karzan.”

“Why are you all up so early this morning?”

“We wanted to see if Odder could cast spells,” said Aimma.

“And where’s Serra?”

“She left.” Odder pointed to the stones at his feet. “I wanted my first spell to be a healing spell instead of an attack spell. She got upset and fled into her dark cloud.”

Karzan looked at Aimma and Finkle. He deepened his voice. “Come walk with me Odder.”

Aimma and Finkle glanced at each other and shrugged their shoulders.

A lump formed in Odder’s throat. He sensed a feeling of dread like a student called out of magic class for turning a classmate into a chicken.

Karzan picked up the stones and walked with Odder to the marsh. “What do you know of Serra?” he asked, tossing a stone into the water.”

“Not much.” Odder picked up a flat rock and skipped it across the surface. “She did save us, but I have a hard time trusting her.”

“Has she done anything to harm you?”

“No, of course not but she did try and kill my master.”

“The Prince of Elestus.”

“Yes.”

“I see.” Karzan tossed another stone, this time making it dive in and out of the water using the movement of his hand. “She has good reasons to dislike your master.”

“Sure he’s arrogant, but he’s just. Why would she want to kill him? What reason could make it right?”

“Sometimes the lines between right and wrong can be blurred in the eyes of justice. Many years ago, several Xenduri left the shadow region to escape its evil tyranny. Soon after, their families followed, setting up camps throughout our lands.”

“Did the Kings attack?”

“Many of our kind saw them as a blight on our land, but the King of Elestus, Skyger, and Villamari took pity on them. In exchange for their loyalty, spells, and magic items, the Xenduri were allowed to settle in certain areas. The Kings appointed wizards, called Shire Reeves, to govern their camps. However, without the sympathy of the elves, some of the Shire Reeves became corrupt. As a youngling, Serra settled in a camp named Deadwood with her father and mother, just north of here in the Elestus territory. An egotistical Shire Reeve named Judan Lehsaar ruled over them with an unhealthy appetite for Xenduri magic.”

“Did he hurt Serra?” asked Odder knowing the answer.

Karzan swallowed hard then sneered. “He collected their dark magic.”

“Spells you mean?”

“Their blood, Odder! That perverse Shire consumed the magic blood of the Xenduri.”

Odder grimaced. Shock and anger swelled inside him. “Horrid!” His heart suddenly sank. His expression turned to dread, and he lifted his hands and pulled the hairs on the side of his head. “Did Prince Destin… Did he drink – “

“No, thank the Celestines.”

Odder relaxed and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “What then?”

“As Lehsaar captured Serra’s parents, she escaped into the woods and found a group of the King’s guards led by a very young Prince. She explained and pleaded for help, but the Prince turned her away and said it was not his concern. She returned only to find her dead mother and father, drained, and hanging from a tree by their ankles.”

Odder felt lightheaded. He sat down on the sand.

“I found her wandering the forest, frail and in despair.” Karzan sat next to him. “I took her in and helped her channel her fear and anger.”

They sat in silence until Karzan threw another stone into the pond.

“So now you know why she acts the way she does and why she seeks justice.”

Odder bit his lip. His forehead wrinkled. “Yes, but…” He felt conflicted. An inner battle raged between his loyalty and the anger of what he just heard. “That was a long time ago. I’m sure he’s not the same person.”

“Maybe not, but what about the mask?”

“Mask?”

“The Mask of Vasul worn by the Prince. Do you think that elves created it?”

Odder shrugged.

“Goblin magic.”

“Wait, wait.” Odder stood. “Are you saying that Destin had some ties with the goblins?”

Karzan pushed himself up and grunted while doing so. “All I’m saying is be careful of your blind trust.”

“And does that apply,” Odder raised his voice, “to you as well!” A fury erupted inside him. His nostrils flared, and he reached for Karzans neck.

Karzan held up his hand, and an explosion of blue light pushed Odder to the ground.

Odder shuffled backward across the sand. “I’m sorry.” He frowned. “I, I don’t know what came over me.”

“Bilusund, the demon of wrath. These demons, they are internal and influence you.” Karzan held out his hand. “How did you feel when you defeated Infadecus?”

Odder reached for Karzan’s hand and pulled himself up. “Stronger, confident, and absent of his demeaning words.”

“Yes, and just now?”

“A blind rage consumed me.”

“The work of Bilusund. Recognize the feeling. He will use it against you.”

“And if I defeat him?”

“When you do, you will have control of that rage that burns inside you.” He patted him on the back, knocking off some sand. “It’s time lad. Meet me in the potion room.”

“So what do I need to know?”

“Don’t be intimidated and don’t give into your rage.” Karzan pointed at the demon in the book. “He will feed on it and become stronger while you will lose control and become weaker.”

“Where’s Serra?” asked Finkle.

“We don’t need her,” whispered Aimma.

“I’ll be fine without her,” Odder said, even though he felt otherwise.

Karzan approached the looking glass, placed his hands together, and chanted. The mirrored glass burst into flames, then cleared. An image of lava flowing down a cliff and surrounding black rock materialized in the background. Plumes of smoke exploded from the shifting lava lake.

Karzan pointed to an opening at the base of a mountain. “Bilusund waits for you in there.”

Odder gulped. “Infadecus ripped the flesh from my bone, and I felt every bit of the pain. This looks far worse.”

“Pain is to be expected,” said Karzan, “but now you have experience and the Maha’De.”

Finkle gave a nod and wink while Aimma handed him a drink. “Can’t forget your elixir,” she said.

Odder downed the drink. “Alright, I’m ready.” He stepped up to the mirror.”

“And remember, you cannot die, and the pain you feel is an illusion,” Karzan said.

Odder entered the mirror, this time without hesitation.

He heard Karzan shout, “Control your temp….” just as he passed through.

A burst of sulfur escaped the lava lake near Odder. He covered his mouth and nose. This is far worse that what it looked like from the other side.

His eyes and skin burned, as the thick smoke filled his lungs. “Remember the pain is an illusion,” he repeated to himself several times.

He squeezed his eyes closed and focused on his breathing - in and out, in and out. His mind and body calmed and the pain subsided. He opened his eyes to get his bearings. A jet of lava flew by just missing his head. Odder ducked, but a few stray drops landed on his face, burning holes into his skin. He frantically wiped off the burning ambers.

The jagged and porous rock crumbled under his feet as he walked. Besides the sheer cliff in front of him and a constant haze of smoke, all he could see were islands of rock surrounded by molten lava.

Odder walked to the edge of the rock which stood about five feet above the next island. A wall of smoke and stream of lava separated the two. I think I can jump over. He took a few steps back, sprinted, and jumped - landing on the next island. The surface gave way, and he fell into the rock up to his knees.

“Argh!” He gripped his legs and yanked them out, leaving behind blood and flesh. Odder climbed to his feet. His anger grew with each limping step.

“You need to go back,” commanded a familiar voice.

Odder looked up. “Destin? What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to help you. You need to turn back before it’s too late.”

Destin here? This doesn’t make sense. Odder lowered his brow. “You’re the demon trying to trick me.”

“No I’m your beloved Prince, and I’m commanding you to leave.” He lifted his hand to the side. Serra appeared upside down and hanging from a scorched tree. “Or I will drain her of every last drop of her delicious dark blood.”

Odder seethed. He clenched his fists. “You’re disgusting!”

Destin pulled out his blade and held it up to Serra’s neck.

The anger raged inside Odder like a boiling pot of tea. He reached for his sword and lowered his voice. “You don’t need to do this Destin.”

“Need to? I want to.” Destin laughed then pierced Serra’s throat. She let out a gurgling cry and flailed her body.

“NO!” Odder unsheathed his sword. It ignited as he swung it at Destin.

Destin parried, knocking Odder sword to the side. Then sidestepped, hitting the back of his head with the hilt, and knocking him to the ground. Destin leaped on Odder’s back, pressed his forearm on the back of his neck, and held him down.

He pulled Odder by the hair, lifting him up off the ground, then whispered in his ear. “I need more rage.” He jabbed the tip of his sword into Odder’s ribs.

Odder cried out.

Destin jumped to his feet and scraped the tip of his sword on the rocks. “I can’t kill you in this realm, but I will enjoy giving you the pain of a hundred deaths.”

Odder held his side and rolled onto his back. He stared up at Serra. Her eyes subdued and pale, her skin drained of color and translucent. His anger erupted again, and he climbed to his feet. He slashed at Destin in a blind rage. Destin stepped back and blocked every attack. The lava erupted and fumed all around them.

“You are pitiful.” Destin stabbed him in the gut. He grabbed Odder by the shoulders and pushed his blade further. Again he whispered in his ear, “More,” and pulled away from Odder’s sword.

Odder fell to his knees. His head hunched past his shoulders. I can’t defeat him with anger. He took a deep breath and cleared his thoughts. He imagined his rage drifting on a tide back into the calm ocean.

“Get up and fight me you fool!” Destin jabbed his sword into Odder’s thigh.

Pain is an illusion. Odder gripped his sword and stood. His eyes focused yet serene.

“I can fight you without anger.”

Destin’s eyes widened, and he stumbled back as if hit by a blow. He regained his exposure and raised his sword. He roared then charged, swinging his blade.

Odder stood his ground and meditated on his breathing. Time seemed to slow as he watched Destin approach. As Destin lifted his sword, Odder swung and removed his leg. Destin crashed to the ground. Odder stood over him with his flaming sword at his throat.

“You can’t fight your anger.” Destin’s face morphed into Renzt. “Swamp slug.”

Odder pressed the tip into the skin. “It won’t work demon. Your wrath no longer controls me.”

Renzt’s face morphed into a bull. It growled and gnashed its teeth, then his entire body turned into ash and flattened into the ground.

The raging river of lava settled and the smoke faded. Odder marched, unhindered, into the cave. A stone fell blocking the cave’s exit. His demon marking illuminated. Here we go. He waved the Maha’De to light the room. He stood in a large hot chamber which reminded him of a pit oven. Sulfur filled the air and burned his lungs. The ceiling faded into a deep darkness like his previous demon encounter. He walked toward the center when he heard a grunt. He moved his sword in the direction of the noise. The light didn’t travel far enough except to glisten off of what appeared to be two glowing eyes along the far wall. He moved toward it.

“Bilusund, show yourself.”

The demon huffed. The sound of large metal chains moved on the rock ground.

Odder approached, his sword leading the way. “You are defeated. Your wrath no longer affects me.”

“Bahl?” The demon’s eyes turned bright amber, and flames spilled onto its face.

Odder could see the demon clearly now. The face and horns of a bull and the body of a giant. It lifted itself off the ground, pulling massive golden chains attached to its wrists. By its side laid a massive battle hammer.

Flames flew out of its mouth. “You cannot defeat me that easily.”

It picked up the hammer and charged at Odder. The hammer must have been twice Odder’s size. Bilusand swung but hit the wall, leaving an immense crack. Lava started to leak through the impact.

Infadecus was confined while Bilusand had enough chain to give it free roaming throughout the chamber.

Odder dodged the demon’s blows. With each strike, more lava entered the room. He put away his sword and hid in a far corner of the chamber. I can’t even get close to him.

Bilusand searched the room, snorting, and grunting. It started shaking and roaring until it went into a full berserker rage. Striking the wall and ground over and over again.

Odder covered his ears. “Karzan get me out of here!”

A looking glass appeared in front of Odder. He leaped to his feet and started for the mirror when it shattered. “No!”

Bilusand smashed it with its hammer.

Odder ran under the demon’s legs, pulled out his sword, and struck the demon’s Achilles tendons. It roared and fell to the ground. Odder jumped on its back and pierced the demon in the back of the neck. “That’s for Serra.”

It fell to the ground gripping its throat.

Odder stood over Bilusand, staring hard into its eyes. He felt a sense of inner peace. “And this is for me.” He swung, severing the demon’s head. It burst into ashes that flew toward the dark void in the ceiling. A dull laughter echoed in the room.

The chamber shook, and more lava started to flow through the cracks. Odder retreated to a small area of rock. “Karzan,” he cried out.

Another mirror formed in the air, hovering above the lava. It was too far to jump. He had to run. Odder leaped into the molten rock. His feet burst into flames. With each step, fire traveled up his legs until his entire body turned into an inferno, and his eyes scorched to ash. Blinded, he took a final leap.