Odder The Demon Hunter - The Blood Curse

Seven high-pitched horn blasts echoed throughout the city. The townsfolk peeked through their shutters, cracked open their doors, and ventured back into the streets. Sentries stood at every corner assuring the folks of their safety. Within a short time, the town market went back to its beehive-like operations as if nothing had happened.

Odder lay face down on the cold ground with his arms tied to his ankles. His face pinned between the cobblestone and the bottom of the captain’s boot. The smell of old leather and what he hoped to be – cabbage – filled his nostrils. The rest of the guards stood gawking and laughing.

“Were you conspiring with the goblin?” the captain asked. “I know you didn’t kill it so who did?”

“I dow… woa…”

The guard removed his foothold and knelt beside him. He leaned in close and whispered into Odder’s ear. “I don’t like you. I hate what you are, a blemish on the elven race.”

He pulled on the rope, lifting Odder’s arms.

Pain stabbed Odder’s shoulders. He let out a silent scream and contorted from side to side.

The captain climbed to his feet, bringing Odder with him. “You will rot in the castle prison.”

The other guards stopped laughing and stood at attention.

“Sir, the Prince,” a sentry said.

The captain sneered. “Perfect. My prize will please the Prince.”

Destin and several of his royal guards approached, riding on black steeds.

The captain bowed. “My lord. The goblin is dead.” He turned toward Odder. “It’s body lay rotting at the magicsmiths’, and we found your servant standing in the same room, unharmed.” He pulled tight on the rope. Odder clenched his teeth. “I am taking him in for questioning.”

The Prince and his guards dismounted, handing the reins the other guards. “What has he told you?”

“Nothing yet my lord,” the captain replied, with displeasure etched into his face.

“Cut him free. I will have a word with him, in private.”

“But my lord –“

“Is there a problem?”

The captain bit his lip and slashed the bindings.

The Prince and Odder walked back toward the shop, passing a group of healers tending to Aimma and the magicsmith wizards. She gave Odder a concerned look, but he peered away and rubbed his wrists.

“I don’t know anything about the goblin, I promise,” Odder said, trying to hide his thoughts.

Destin stopped and stared at his servant with contempt. “What did you see?”

Odder’s breathing became shallow. He was never a good liar, but he felt compelled to protect Serra. He looked away. “Nothing my lord, I was seeking safety.”

The Prince turned and let out a long sigh. “Do you expect me to believe you entered the magicsmiths’ shop, avoided the widow spider’s trap, found a dead goblin, and you witnessed nothing?” He looked back at the servant. “Why are you lying to me? Did you forget who I am?”

Odder began to sweat. His vision blurred. He knows I was there. Why else would he bring up the details? He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry my lord. I spoke out of fear. I spotted you entering the shop, and I followed.”

Destin’s expression hardened. “Yes.” He paused and pursed his lips. “I needed to pick up a project from the magicsmiths. I entered and avoided the trap by running into the backroom where the goblin hid. I quickly made an end to him before he could react, and I fled through the back door.”

Odder raised his brow. “Why didn’t you alert the guards?”

The Prince held his fist over his mouth. “I…I went to tell the King.”

Odder stepped back, distrusting the answer, but Destin seized his arm.

“Do not tell this to anyone,” Destin said.

Odder nearly fell back. “Ye… yes my lord.”

The Prince escorted his servant back to the captain. “He is free to go.”

The captain frowned. “My lord? Should I bring him in for questioning?”

“He knows nothing. I questioned him myself.” The Prince turned and lowered his voice. “Just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Isn’t that right Odder?”

“Yes, my lord.” The words left his mouth, leaving a bitter taste.

The captain bowed his head, hiding his scowl, “As you wish, my lord.”

Destin accompanied Odder to the end of the road. “I wasn’t able to obtain my package at the wizard shop,” He patted him on the back, “so I’ll need you to retrieve it once I know it’s location. Be back at my chambers in an hour.”

“Of course, my lord.”

Seven Houses ruled in Arcaina, and each House focused their disciplines around the magic essence of their kingdom. The House of Elestus drew their magic from the earth to create magnificent feats of architecture and engineering.

Odder passed many marble monuments and sculptures of famous elves while trying to make sense of what happened. He stopped at sat at a stone bench by the road and rubbed his hands through his hair when he heard a sudden rustling in the bushes ahead.

He jumped to his feet and reached for his wooden sword. “Who’s there?” He tapped his sword on the ground in hopes to scare off any beasts.

“Ta-dah,” said an energetic dancing gnome. “It is I, Finkle Tonk.” He skipped toward Odder, shaking his hands in the air.

“Tonk, you scared the wits out of me… and what are you wearing?”

Finkle froze. “What, you do not like my new hat?”

“Its ridiculous and looks like a red bucket on your head. So is that the fez or a chullo?”

“It’s the fez.” The gnome turned and pouted. “The merchant said it’s very popular in far off lands.”

“And what’s the purpose for that silly tassel?”

The gnome lifted his nose in the air. “Obviously, you can’t appreciate a sophisticated style.”

Odder laughed. “Thanks, friend. You do know how to bring a smile to my face.” He flicked his tassel. “You know I’m messing with you.”

Finkle stared blankly then laughed. “I knew it all the time.”

“So where did you go?” Odder asked. “We were supposed to meet.”

“I purchased my fez and headed to the archives.” He straightened his hat. “Then the warning horns sounded, everyone ran into their shelters, and I ran into the safest place of all, the bushes.”

“Bushes?”

“A gnome’s favorite hiding place,” Finkle grinned. “Did you stay in the archives?”

“No, but I have quite a story.”

“Tell me, tell me.”

“It’s long. How about after I meet up with my master.”

“Tell me on the way to the King’s gardens then.” The gnome tugged at Odder’s pant leg. “It’s on the way.”

“Amazing. I can’t believe I missed the dark vixen again, and the Prince in the magicsmith’s shop is suspicious.” Finkle pointed to the garden’s gates. “Tell me the rest on our way to see momma Tonk?”

Odder gazed at the trail going into the garden. The sweet fragrance intoxicated his senses. “Um… No, I better not. I have to meet the Prince remember?”

“Come on, laddy.” The gnome yanked on the elf. “I’ll race you to the gate. If I win, you say hi to momma.”

Odder crossed his arm. The odds are in my favor. He’s got short stubby legs, and I’m fast.” He held out his hand. “And if I win, I get your fez.”

“Deal,” said Finkle, chuckling.

“Alright, on three.” Odder propped into a sprinting pose, while Finkle clenched his fists and scratched his right foot on the ground like a prairie beast. “One… two…” Odder tightened his muscles. “three . . .” He sprinted, kicking dirt into the tiny gnome’s face. Just before reaching the gardens gate, Odder glanced back. Why is Finkle still standing there? He must not like his new hat. Just as he turned back, he smashed into a wall of mud. Smush! The magic soil trapped him like a fly in a web.

Finkle burst into laughter and strutted, as much as a gnome could strut, to the gate. “You are indeed fast for an elf,” he said, passing Odder, “but not faster than magic.” He somersaulted and tagged the gate. “I win.”

“Mmmm…”

The gnome held his hand to his ear. “What’s that you say? You underestimated your gnome friend again?”

“MMMM!”

“Alright, calm down. Once again your best friend Finkle is here to save you.”

The gnome found a nearby branch, walked up behind the trapped elf, and whispered several magic words. The branch stretched out, grabbed Odder by his collar, and with two yanks - pulled him out of the muck. The mud disintegrated.

Gasp – “Very funny. Now look at me, I’m filthy.” Odder pounded his clothes, knocking off the dirt and mud. “You cheated. The wager was a race to the gate, not magic.”

Finkle used the branch to point at Odder. “You never said magic is off limits, besides everyone uses magic-”

“Yes except me.” Odder crossed his arms. “Fine, I’ll visit, but I’m not staying long.”

The two walked up to the garden’s gate. A beam of sunlight broke free from the overcast clouds and lit up the ten foot, golden entry. Odder squinted but admired its radiance. The doors creaked open revealing a flourishing collection of stunning exotic plants, trees, and flowers surrounded by small ponds and streams. The path split into various directions creating a complicated labyrinth. Those not familiar with the maze could spend days wandering the acreages and never finding the gardens prized possession.

“It’s been awhile since I’ve been to the garden.” Odder closed his eyes and held his nose up to a fragrant flower the size of a grapefruit. “Do the sprites still dart around the Dragon Tree?” Several red petals lifted back from the flower to reveal an ornate cluster of purple petals with a dozen pink filaments, which jutted out to white pads on the ends. The filaments moved like the delicate tentacles of a noodlefish in a slow current, and patted Odder on the nose and cheek.

“Yes, those nuisances still flutter around like insects.” The gnome caressed the bulb. “This flower is called a loving fuchsia. One of my favorites, I think it likes you.”

“I think so too,” Odder said, enjoying the flowery caress. “I’ve always liked the sprites. Those enchanting creatures reminded me of tiny fairies that live in the forests, whisking around without a care in the world.”

“More like buzzing dragonflies. They get in my way with their colorful sparkles.”

“Well, I like them just the same. What about the Dragon Tree, I thought you cherished it?”

“I used to, but it’s looking pretty bad nowadays. We gnomes have given up on it.”

“What’s wrong?” Odder pulled himself from the fuchsia.

“Can’t figure it out - seems to be dying.” Finkle continued down the trail. “You can see for yourself. We’ll walk past it.”

Odder and Finkle took a moment on a bridge to spot fish swimming underneath. Odder rolled up his pants and sat on the edge kicking the water.

“Do you remember the legend? The Dragon Tree legend?” Odder asked.

“Sure.” Finkle plopped next to him. “Momma used to tell us the tale before sleep.”

“I didn’t have a mother to tell me the story.” Odder sighed. “I’ve only heard pieces from other elves.

The gnome pursed his lips. “Well, you know I’m a great storyteller. I can tell you the legend of The Dragon Tree right now.”

Odder’s face brightened until the sun’s rays reminded him of his duties. “No, it’s alright. I don’t have time anyway.”

“Nonsense.” The gnome rolled onto his back, then to his feet. “There’s plenty of time.” He rolled up his sleeves and slapped his face several times. His expression became cold, and he spoke in a deep low tone. “Legend has it that the Divine Spirit breathed life into the material realm. A wicked creature from –“

“Creature? Isn’t it supposed to be a wicked demon?”

Finkle snarled and pointed his finger. “I’m in character. Don’t interrupt.” He cleared his throat. “A wicked demon from the spirit realm became jealous of the righteous creatures in this world. The jealousy raged inside of him until he became obsessed with destroying what the Divine Spirit created. He searched for a passage between the two universes and discovered a doorway that allowed him to cross realms. A fierce battle raged for centuries as the demon nearly destroyed all the creatures of Arcaina; except for the brave gnomes who mounted an attack and killed the demon -”

Odder slapped his forehead. “Come on, really?”

The gnome held out his arms while shrugging his shoulders. “It could’ve happened.” Odder gave him a blank stare.

“Fine,” said Finkle, getting back into character. He swung his fists in the air as if to hit an invisible opponent. “The creatures of the land united to defend their world, severely wounded the demon, and chased him into the Mountains of Adeldus. The evil spirit searched for shelter where it could rest and heal. Finding a giant tree, it laid up against its bark and rested. While the demon slept, the tree slowly wrapped its roots around the creature, and trapped the evil within its intertwined trunks, forever imprisoned until the end of days.”

Odder stood and clapped. “Very well told.”

Finkle threw back his tassel and bowed.

“So do you think the demon is still in the tree?” Odder asked.

Finkle laughed. “No, it’s just a fable.”

“Like the elf without magic?”

The gnome’s expression turned flat like cut stone.

“Ah, just joking with you,” Odder said.

“Not funny, and didn’t you say you were in a hurry?”

Odder searched for the placement of the sun. “I have a little time left, so let’s go.”

“Follow me.” Finkle ran down the path with Odder close behind. Enormous roots twisted across the ground and entered the soil in various areas. Several sprites traveled along the windy current. “We’re close,” said the gnome.

Odder ran up to the gnome as he gazed up at the thirty-foot high Dragon Tree. The thick of the trunk consisted of smaller branches weaved together like a basket and grew upward to a dense umbrella-shaped canopy of dead branches. Once filled with beautiful crimson leaves, the Dragon Tree adorned the gray granite landscape, and the smooth reddish bark gave off an aroma of sweet spice pepper mixed with cinnamon.

“You said the tree was bad but it looks dead,” said Odder, crushing dead leaves in his hand.

“Almost.” Finkle leaped from root to root, while swatting at the sprites, until he reached the trunk. “Magic still courses its veins, but be careful and watch your step. Some of the roots are brittle and the soil around them unstable.”

Odder hopped off one root, stepped on another, and leaped toward the trunk. “No rotten roots here.” He stomped several times on the base root. “Except this one sounds a bit hollow…”

The large root collapsed, sending Odder knee-deep into the root. A group of sprites swarmed around him, making a slight whistling noise that sounded like laughter.

“Odder,” Finkle yelled but then paused. “Oh good, just a minor fall.”

Odder wiped his forehead, his knees pressed together. “I think I just pissed myself.”

Finkle laughed with Odder joining in. Crack . . . He fell another few inches.

“You better get out of there.”

“I’m trying, but it’s slimy.” The root started twisting and shaking. CRUNCH… Odder fell, debris flying into the air. Sprites scattered in every direction.

Finkle yelled into the hollow root. “Odder…”

Odder sat up and in a faint voice answered, “I’m ok… I think.”

“Where are you?” Finkle asked.

He gazed up through a haze of dirt and spotted the faintly lit hole with Finkle’s head peering down. “I’m about twenty feet down.” He glared at his surroundings. “It’s dark. I think I’m in a cavern along with a few sprites. I can feel the tree’s roots between my fingers, and mud – lots of it. The area is damp and smells like death.”

Finkle waved away the dust. “I can’t see you.”

A faint ray lit the floor next to Odder. He stepped into the light and peered up while shielding his eyes.

“Anything broken?” asked the gnome.

“No, but can you get me out of here? It’s creepy.”

“Of course.” Finkle went silent. “What’s that on your shoulder?”

“Just a root,” said Odder, until it’s finger-like members moved. “Ugh!” He swiped at the dangling creature sending it into the darkness. “Nasty. A dangling-leg spider.” He shivered. “I hate spiders.”

He could hear Finkle giggling. “Yeah, hilarious. Now, how about some help?”

“Alright. Stand still. I’m going to levitate you out.” Finkle chanted several magic words and moved his hands upward. A light green glow surrounded the hole then faded. He paused and twiddled his tassel.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. Just stand still.”

Finkle rubbed his hands in a rapid circular motion while saying a magic phrase. “Leve medio tene arum.” Dirt flew into his face. “Blaaah.”

“Quit joking around.”

“I’m not,” Finkle said, wiping the dirt off his face. “My magic is being redirected somehow. I’m going to grab momma and the others. Will you be all right for a few?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“You have the sprites to keep you safe. I’ll be back before you can say ‘Finkle-Tonk-and-the-Tonks-fidget-with-the-frogs-in-the-bogs…’ The words faded has he left.

“Not funny! Not funny at all.” Odder stood still in the darkness. His thoughts wandered. I wonder how many of those gross spiders are down here. He pulled out his wooden sword and held it up. Probably hundreds. He moved his eyes from side to side until his sight adjusted to the dark. Something, besides the sprites buzzing in the air, caught his eye. He swung to face it.

Who’s there?” He heard some roots and dirt shift. His arm quivered as he pointed his sword at the noise. “I said who’s there?”

Six tiny yellow eyes cut through the darkness. Odder gasped. The sprites flew and hid behind him. “I have a magic sword, stay back.”

The yellow eyes blinked in a random pattern. A high-pitched shrill echoed in the chamber, then a golden mist swirled from the creature, lighting up the darkness in a faint glow. “Are you the messenger from Queen Sorren?”

Odder felt the blood draining from his petrified face to his knotted stomach. His vision became blurry, and he stumbled backward.

The creature stepped forward. Odder had never seen anything like it. Its six eyes sunk into a hairless, wrinkly head. Two large front teeth with flat edges went from the base of its stubby nose to its chin. Serrated teeth traveled along the sides of its jaw to its ear holes. Odder coughed out words as if he swallowed sawdust. “Wha…what are you?”

The creature stepped forward again, revealing a hairless, thin body, along with three horrendous claws on each hand. It ripped off a chunk of root and stripped the bark in its teeth. The sprites shrieked. “I am Agris of Santhe.” Its sneer revealing more of its serrated teeth.

“Are you, the demon?” Odder asked.

The creature opened its mouth nearly to the back of its head, and let out another high-pitched shrill, then took another bite of the root. “I serve my Queen.” It pointed a claw at the elf and repeated, “Are you the messenger?”

Odder shook his head. The creature scowled showing all its teeth. “Then you die,” It lurched forward and crept toward the young elf.

“Finkle!” Odder shouted. He staggered backward, tripped and fell with his face directly under the hole. The sunlight inflicted temporary blindness. As he struggled to focus, the strong sour stench of the creature’s breath surrounded him. The sprites flew at the creature and buzzed around its eyes, showering it with sparkling dust. It stepped back and swatted at the sprites, grabbing one, and throwing it into its mouth.

“FINKLE!” A large vine whacked Odder’s head. He peered up, his vision still dull, but he recognized his dear friend. He gripped the vine, held tight, and ascended. He gazed back to see a sprite’s legs and wings sticking out between the creature’s teeth, while it gripped the other in its claws. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

Finkle yanked him out by his collar. “I got you and by the Seven Pillars of Laztus, what is that?”

“Yes, what is that?” Repeated several other gnomes, holding the vine.

Odder sat with his head buried in his arms. Finkle frowned and reached for his friend’s shoulder. “You’re safe now.”

“That monster almost killed me.”

Several dozen gnomes gathered near. Odder lifted his head. “So that’s how you pulled me up.”

“Mostly me,” Finkle said, holding up his chin, “but they helped.”

Odder brushed the dirt off his arms. “Thank you, friends.”

“Tell me more about this creature.”

“Momma Tonk?” Odder sniffled then delivered a smile. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You too lad.” She tapped him on the leg with her cane. “Are you injured?”

“No, just terrified.”

“There is nothing to fear now.” She motioned for some gnomes to stand at the whole. “Please describe the creature.”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Jerking his head from side to side, he recalled the details. “It’s hideous, six yellow eyes, no hair, wrinkly skin like a muskmole, long sharp claws, and big teeth.” He opened his eyes. “It reeked of sour milk, and it’s feeding on the trees roots..”

The elderly gnome tilted her head to the side and tapped her cane. “Interesting.”

“Oh, and it said it serves Queen Sorren.”

She gasped and covered her mouth. “Tell no one of this. I have to alert the King myself.”

“Momma?” Finkle questioned.

She pointed her cane. “Tell no one.” Then turned toward the rest. “Tonks stand guard and make sure nothing comes in or out of this hole.” They all agreed and surrounded the opening. She took Odder by the hand and pulled him close. “Don’t worry, laddy.”

“I don’t understand. Is this creature dangerous?

She scratched her chin. “It’s not the creature. It’s the Queen.” She escorted him back on the path. “Finkle, please take Odder back to the castle.”

“Momma Tonk, shouldn’t we tell the guards?” Odder asked. “I can tell the Prince as well.”

She gripped his hand and gave him a harsh stare. “I am the keeper of this garden, and I will notify the King. Tell no one.” She snapped her fingers several times at Finkle.

“Yes, momma.” Finkle frowned ands kicked a pebble across the trail. “Let’s go Odder.”

Both Odder and Finkle remained quite as they walked through the garden. As soon as Odder exited the gates, he turned and grabbed Finkle. “What’s this all about? I was almost killed, and I deserve an explanation.”

Finkle pushed Odder’s hands away. “I don’t know. I’ve never heard of such a creature.”

“What about that Queen?”

“Only rumors. The goblins are mounting their forces, and they need a leader right? I hear it’s an evil Queen, and she’s a demon.”

Odder threw his hands in the air. “Sure there are magic creatures of every kind, but demons don’t exist, not in this realm at least.” He shook his head. “It doesn’t make sense. Is your mother trying to protect that monster?”

The gnome leaned in close, stiffened his posture, and pointed his nubby finger into Odder’s face. “You better watch what you say. Friend or not, I’ll defend my momma’s honor.”

“What are you going to do gnomie? I’ll kick you across the city like a wicker basket.”

“Yeah, I’ll turn your boots to stone, and hit you with a stick like a paper elf doll.”

A crackling noise interrupted their argument, and a smoky writing formed in the air in front of Odder.

Odder, where are you? You’re late. Meet me Immediately – Prince Destin

“Great! You’re lucky Finkle.”

The gnome kicked dirt several times at Odder’s feet. “No, you’re the lucky one elf.” He skipped back into the garden. “Better watch yourself.”